《A FATEFUL CHANCE》 CHAPTER 1: DEANDRA BURLINGTON CHAPTER 1: DEANDRA BURLINGTON Deandra''s POV I entered the room and my sisters came rushing towards me. They all looked very excited as they showed their open palms at me. ¡°Did you have something for us, our dear sister?¡± Dina asked in a very polite manner. ¡°You¡¯re all adorable! How can this older sister resist all your cute, little charms?¡± I can¡¯t help but to giggle after they showed me their pleading eyes. "Yeah, of course. How can I forget all of my sweet little darlings?" I entered the house and I put all the food that I bought after working for many hours. I can''t help but be happy because her smile took all my tiredness away. She smiled from ear to ear as soon as she saw me. ¡°You¡¯re all too adorable for me to forget. You deserve all of these foods.¡± She smiled as she put all the foods on the table for them to clearly see. "Yippiee! Thank you sister! I love you!" She hugged both of my feet. She''s still very young but she''s very sweet. "Where''s mom?" "She''s in the room already." "Where''s Dee and Dina?" "They are in their rooms too, sis." "Thank you so much for the information my cute Dahlia." I even pinched her cheek as she smiled sweetly. When I let her cheek go, I noticed that she massaged it while getting the fried chicken from the paper bag I bought a while ago. I slowly entered mom''s room and I can see her massaging her head. There''s still a towel wrapped around her wet hair, obviously she took a bath just now. She''s closing her eyes but when she felt my presence, she opened her eyes right away. I can see her eyes glistened as soon as she saw meing towards her. "Where''s the money?" She said while opening her palms in front of me. I l met her eyes but I won''t give her what she wanted. "M-Mom, I already gave you the money the other day, right?" Her facial expression suddenly changed. She frowned right away as she looked at me with an icy stare as soon as she heard what I said to her. "So, what do you want to say? I took the money away?" "Mom, it''s not what I mean." I looked down. I don''t want to look at her and offend her. "Then what?" She got off from bed and came near me as she put her hands on the side of her hips. I can see her raising one of her eyebrows. "I am just asking if where''s the money I gave you. It''s almost five thousand pesos." "I already paid it to Mrs. Leeway''s for our debts." "Huh? What debts?" "Why are you asking nonsense questions? Give me the money now!" She''s already mad. I really stopped myself from crying as I secretly closed my fists. I slowly put my hand inside my pocket as I get the two-thousand peso bill from my sry this afternoon. I wanted to get angry at her, too. I want to tell her right in front of her face that I am the one who paid our debts to Mrs. Leeway when I was on my way here a while ago. ***shback*** I can''t wait to go home and give money to my mom. Dahlia also wanted to eat some fried chicken. I knew she wanted to eat that food for a long time. I even promised her to buy one when my sry will be given to me. I was happily walking on the footwalk when someone stood in front of me all of a sudden. "Deandra..." Mrs. Leeway appeared in front of me like an unwanted ghost. She''s folding her arms as she gives me an angry look. "Good evening, Mrs. Leeway." "My evening will only be good if you will pay the debts of your mother to me." "W-What? Debts?" I admit, it''s kind of surprising because I know I never had any of it myself. How come we had debts all of a sudden? "How could you not know? Are you stupid to not know that your mom has been borrowing money from me ever since that mahjong started across our store?" "I''m sorry, Mrs. Leeway. I have no idea about what you''re talking about." "No idea? Your mom told me that if I will just tell you about her debt to me and you will be the one to pay it for her." "S-Sorry, Mrs. Leeway. I never knew about it. I will pay you now, don''t worry."Content provided by N?velDrama.Org. "You are full of dramas. You will pay the money but you bber a lot." She said while frowning. She took the money bills from my hands in a swift motion before I even knew it. ***end of shback*** Those words still echoed my mind. I paid three thousand pesos to Mrs. Leeway right away because there were people who started to listen to what we''re talking about. Because I consider myself as a good daughter that wants to avoid any form of scandal, I paid a debt I don''t even know. I am facing my mother right now and I am looking at her palms that''s opened in front of me while she''s getting very mad. With shaky hands, I am able to give him another two-thousand peso bill. "You will give me your money and yet you''re asking me a lot of nonsense questions. Don''t be an idiot, Deandra. Use yourmon sense. You''re already ugly, use your tiny brain at least." Those words crushed my heart into millions of pieces. How could my own mother say this to me after what I am doing for this family? I''ve been working the whole day. I''ve been waiting tables, ran endless errands and even stood long hours as a receptionist. I am physically tired and now? This tiredness even added up to the disappointment I am feeling because she couldn''t even appreciate the efforts that I am putting into my job. I am doing my very best to give the money that she wants. Is this how my mom shows her gratitude to me? Does she really care for me or the money that I give her? When I entered the house, I even noticed there''s no cooked rice. No food is ced on the table and the house is a real mess. "I will eat with Dahlia, mom." I excused myself as I got back to our small dining room and kitchen in one. "Dee, Dina...let''s eat." I gently called them. I turned my gaze to the door of the room where my twin sisters are sleeping. It opened and Dina''s head peeped outside the window while she''s still rubbing her eyes. "Dear Deandra, Dee''s forehead is hot." "What?" "She''s only lying on our bed, sis." She said while showing her weary look. My heart suddenly beat fast as I looked at my younger sister''s face. The twins are aged twelve years old now. I know if Dina looked weary, something is also wrong with Dee. I tried to look calm as much as possible. I smiled as I let here near me. She only looked down as she stepped forward. When she''s in front of me, I lowered my body to her height as I kissed her forehead. I can see that she''s about to cry while touching her stomach. I closed my fist again as I can''t help but grit my teeth. What is mother doing all along this time? "Hello my beautiful Dina. Please go to Dahlia and eat with her. I will go to Dee and give her a half bath so that she''ll feel fine." "Yes, dear Deandra. Do we have fried chicken?" My sister asked innocently. I can''t help but bitterly laugh. With this scene, I noticed the tears already streaming down my cheeks as I looked at her. I wiped it right away with my hands as I smiled at my skinny-looking sister. "Yes. I bought a lot for all of us." I said as I tapped her shoulders. My sister responded with a weak smile. She went to the table where Dahlia is eating now. I could hear them giggling while eating the crunchy fried chicken I bought for them. If mother can''t be a mother for all of us and my siblings, I''d dly do it for her. CHAPTER 2: BLOOD SISTERS CHAPTER 2: BLOOD SISTERS Deandra''s POV I gently knocked on the door where my other twin sister Dee is resting right now. When she''s not answering, I twisted the doorknob and entered while holding a small basin half-filled with warm water and a towel inside it. I saw her lying on the bed, facing the ceiling while opening her eyes. "Hello, dear Deandra." Her cute voice greeted me as soon as she noticed my presence. "Hello my beautiful Dee. How are you?" "My head is aching and I don''t feel well." "Don''t worry my dear sister. I am here now." I sat beside her bed and ced the basin on the chair next to me. I pulled the towel from the basin half-filled with water. I wrung it by removing the excess water. I ced my palm on her forehead. I am surprised that she''s too hot. I felt my knees shaking but I stayed calm as much as possible. What if she''ll know I am more worried than her? She''ll be sadder for sure. "You know what, dear Deandra...when I grow up, I want to be like you." I chuckled because my sister said that out of the blue. "Why? I am ugly and fat. You should be like Karina Wiss. She''s a popr superstar." "But I want to be like my eldest sister. You know what, dear Deandra...you''re my best, favorite person ever! I shook my head and chuckled. Dee is really the talkative one. She''s never running out of words. "You''re the only one who bought us fried chicken. You''re the only sister in the world who takes good care of us." I smiled as I wiped the damp towel on both of her arms. "Someday, you will have your own favorite person, dear. I am not the only one who will do these things to all of you." "But dear Deandra, you''re the first person to do this to us." "Of course, I am your sister. I suppose to do it for all of you, right?" "Well, our mom does not do duties like that of a real mom." I chuckled as I felt the sarcasm that my sister showed our mother. I can''t me her, though. It''s her own opinion that just came out her mouth. I knew Dee as the tough cookie and Dina as her opposite in nature. "Please love our mother, Dee. I know she''s been through a lot. That''s why we can''t easily me her for acting like that." I calmly exined to her. As the eldest, I know I have a voice to advise my siblings what to do. "You know what, sis? If only all people think the way you do, we''ll all make the world a better ce to live." Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. I looked at Dee''s expression as she said those words. I am older than my sister for fourteen years and yet her being matured when ites to expressing her ideas amazes me so much. I pulled her shirt off and with her baby bra on, I wiped the damp towel on her back and her lower abdomen as well. "Are you feeling better now?" "Yeah. Better because you''re the one taking care of me." She said as she cupped both of my cheeks. "Good. Now, I want you to eat dinner with your sisters." She smiled weakly as she stood up. I even pulled both of her hands to assist her to stand up. Dina and Dahlia haven''t started yet. I know we can still join them for dinner. We both went outside and sat on the two vacant seats Dina and Dahlia reserved for us. I am not in the mood to call mother for dinner because she got most of my money. I guess she can sleep with a sly grin on her face even on an empty stomach. "Dear Deandra, please eat now." Dahlia suddenly eximed as she held a leg part of fried chicken and offered it in front of me with her hand. She''s too charming as she smiled. I can''t help but to ept it. When ites to my sisters, I am bing incredibly soft. I never thought that after what I have encountered from Mrs. Leeway, I could smile again. I thought I lost my appetite for my dinner. I am expecting that the three of them will eat their favorite food while I am looking at them with a contented heart. I bought ten pieces of fried chicken for all of us but now, I can''t see any single fried chicken on the te. It made me look at the one that I am holding right now. I saw Dahlia cry right away after she noticed that I discovered that there''s only one left. "Dahlia, did you eat three?" Dina whispered to her aloud in a shocked voice. I chuckled as I could see their reaction. "Dahlia dear? What happened?" "I''m so sorry dear Deandra! I never intended to eat three pieces. I was just hungry and I love fried chicken so much." "Yeah, she loved it that she barely ate rice with fried chicken, see? I told you." "Dina..." I smiled as I called Dina''s attention. She seemed to be provoking Dahlia more that''s why her cries are getting louder. "Sorry..." "The three of you, pleasee here." Dahlia was the first to rush on my seat as she hugged my waist as she stood up. The twins stood up on my both sides. "You know what? It''s okay." I held Dina''s arm and smiled at her. "It''s fine. Remember, Dahlia is the youngest. She''s supposed to be happier if we support her of the things she loved the most. Would that be okay, Dina?" "Okay, dear Deandra. I''m so sorry." "Don''t be sorry to me, say sorry to Dahliah." Dina stepped beside Dahlia. She''s still not letting go of hugging me tight. "Dahlia, next time you can eat half of my other part." "Really?" Dahlia''s eyes glistened as she let go of my waist right away and turned her gaze to Dina. She winked at her that made us allugh out loud. "My dear sisters, don''t worry. Your eldest sister Deandra will always buy you fried chicken whenever I have my money again. Please don''t ever fight over a fried chicken. Our rtionship is more than that. Let''s be generous to one another as much as we can. Life is always beautiful in harmony." They all smiled at me. As I look at their contented gaze, I still consider myself lucky for having a happy family. It is despite the things that we encounter everyday, I am still thankful. CHAPTER 3: BEHIND THE SCENES CHAPTER 3: BEHIND THE SCENES Deandra''s POV After that delicious dinner, I was able to tuck all my sisters to their respective rooms. The twins sleep together in one bed. With the mattress cover on their chest, they both smiled as they looked at me. "Which one is Dee?" I asked in a cheerful tone. They both giggle at the same time. "Here." She dryly replied as she raised one of her arms. She even rolled her eyes because maybe she finds me silly for treating them as children. "Which one is Dina?" I smiled as I pointed fingers to either of them. "Here! I''m here! I''m Present!" Dina cheerfully answered. I saw Dee poked Dina for moving excessively as she did the "present!" gesture using her hands. She even grinned from ear to ear. "Yeah, she heard you," Dee whispered to her twin but it was a bit loud, enough for me to hear. I can''t help but to smile because of their cuteness. "Very good! Now I will not mistook which one is which." "Eh, dear Deandra, you knew it already. It''s easy. It''s like finding Elsa and Anna in ''Frozen''. Dee said that made meugh as I pinch her nose. She smiled a little as she put my hand away from her nose. "Of course, I''m queen Elsa and you will be Anna." I saw her frown as she looked at what Dee told her. "Okay, fine great girl. Dee and Dina, sleep very well. I love you both." I kissed their foreheads and they started to close their eyes. I slowly shut the door behind me and sighed with relief. I went to my room with Dahlia on my side for always. I saw her sleeping with her head at the foot of the bed and her feet touching the head board. I giggled at the cute sight of her. I gently carried her and ced her sleeping body on the ride side. I covered her with a nket and put a soft pillow where she can rest her head on. I slowly caressed her hair as she''s sleeping right now. "What a cute face for a youngest sister. I am so lucky to have you dear." I whispered to her ear. I started to get on the bed as I carefully moved beside Dahlia. I am afraid I might interrupt her kind of sleeping right now. I am the eldest sister among the four of us. We are all girls. The twins were born fourteen years after I was born. I remembered my mom had a lot of adjustments since she never expected that my sisters would turn out as twins. Not only that, identical ones. Dahlia was born out of luck I should say. She was born five years after the twins were born and our mom is already turning forty years old at that time. It was risky butter on, I realized it was all worth it. I remembered a time clearly. That pregnancy is already too risky for her, she was advised to stay in bed for two weeks before she will give birth to Dahlia. She will also drink numerous medicines just for Dahlia to hold on to her womb because of the old age. Good thing she was able to give birth to a beautiful, healthy girl. I also admired mom for still being pretty even if she only gave birth at the moment, unlike other moms. Even if mom gave birth to the four of us, her rtionship with dad never changed. I have observed, it worsened when Dahlia was born because mom almost lost herself in the process just to keep our sister. My dad is known for being a womanizer. Mom thought that he already changed when he would get married to her but she was wrong. He never even thought about us for a second. After their endless arguments, dad moved out from our house and we never saw him again. Well, I would spot him at the malls with different women greater than my mom when ites to physical appearance. However, whenever I will see him, I would simply not care at all. I guess he taught me how to forget and move on to the things that happened in our lives from the past. That''s why no matter how I wanted to hate mom, a part of me still wants the best for her. It is even if she doesn''t show that she cares anymore. Even if she already got hooked on ying mahjong with her friends, she doesn''t take a bath for many days. I understand where she''sing from. Maybe, she can''t ept that dad will leave her easily. Maybe, she also med the four of us for her present misery and what she''s experiencing right now. I never knew but I hope she will not entirely abandon us like the way dad did. I will always understand her addiction and whatever she''s doing just to keep herself happy. For as long as she will never leave this house and show to my other younger sisters. I don''t want them to feel that they are unloved and alone. "Dear Deandra?" My thoughts were interrupted by Dahlia just now. "What do you need my baby princess?" "Why are you not sleeping yet?" She innocently blinked that made her long eyshes move gracefully. "How will you know I am sleeping if you''re also not doing it?" I looked at my youngest sister as she smiled at me. Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. "Okay. Let''s y a game. I will count one up to three. When you hear ''three'', we should both close our eyes because we will sleep now, okay?" "Deal." She nodded. "One..." She giggled because of too much excitement. "Dahlia, we''re going to sleep and not chase each other tonight, alright?" I smiled that made her giggle even more. I love hearing it from her so much. She smiled but she started to close her eyes. At times, she''s slowly opening a little to observe what is happening while I am counting. "Two and three!" I saw her shut her eyes very well. "Good girl, Dahlia." I tapped her head and kissed her forehead. I started to close my eyes because I should be waking up at five in the morning because of my day job. CHAPTER 4: STARING DREAMS CHAPTER 4: STARING DREAMS The next day, I woke up the next day feeling tired and yet I should really get going. I have to go to work and do the usual routine that is expected of me. Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. If I won''t work, we will not have any money to buy essential things needed in our house. I saw my siblings chasing each other while I got up from bed. I shook my head because they''re supposed to be sleeping because they stayed upte the other night. "I guess I could handle it this time. Please go back to bed, my dearest sisters. I know you still need some sleep." They both look at me at the same time as they grin from ear to ear. "We will help you, dear sister! We really set our rm clocks to wake up early to help you prepare!" Dina eximed in an excited, hyperactive manner. "We''re fine. As long as we could help you with anything." Dee said as she stood up as if pretending to be some kind of superhero as she grins. "Well, I hope all your cuteness will be converted to cash so that we''ll not have bills anymore." "I''d dly do it for our dear Deandra." Dahlia said as her head appeared from their backs. They chuckled altogether. Dee and Dina were preparing the table, while Dahlia got some sses of water from the cupboard to the table. We had fried eggs with corned beef and rice. We''re all good at eating food. I am so lucky that my sisters are just content to whatever food they''ll have on our table. I am thankful that the training paid off for a long time. They even remember it one by one. They usually move without being told. They have reminded themselves without waiting for me to do it for their self-improvement. "I will go to work now. Please behave. The three of you. I will go back as soon as possible." I stood up and Dina told me that she''ll be the one to wash the dishes. I nodded and rushed with a clean uniform as I held my bag. I entered the newspaper shop and as usual, they asked me to deliver the newspaper door to door which I dly did. I am earning one hundred pesos per hour for this one. I did my job and when I logged out, I noticed that I already had more than four hours of duty. When I came back, they gave me four-hundred and fifty pesos as my earnings for that day. I took a deep breath as I secretly gave my paper bills a smooch. Thinking of the things I could buy for my family through this money will be a great feeling for me. I happily smiled as I tried going home now. I inserted the money in my pocket. I also went to the supermarket to buy groceries and meat for my sisters. I know they are waiting for me like how they wait for our mother. But of course, our difference is, she would nevere back again. Sometimes, it made my sisters really hungry. My money was four hundred bills and another fifty-peso bill. I went to the fruits section to buy some fruits. When I attempted to put my hands in my pocket, I could only find two-hundred and fifty. I looked around in confusion. Something is odd and wrong. How can it be only two-hundred fifty when I checked my four hundred fifty pesos? When I spotted a guy running away, that''s the time I realized that he''s the one who indeed snatched my money. My heart started to race. This can''t be! "Hey, you moron! Come back!" I stopped myself from crying while chasing after him. I am already very tired and it is almost lunch time. I won''t ept it when somebody will easily get the money he didn''t work hard for. I am somehow lucky because I knew the narrow road where he''s heading to. I guess this thief is a stranger to our ce. He''s just running without any direction at all. "Soon, he''ll be in a dead end." I murmured to myself as I grinned. He stopped running when he saw a tall wall in front of him. As I look at the wall, it is double his height and it won''t be possible for him to escape, unless he''s good at parkour. He slowly turned his back and he saw me right away. I am holding a piece of wood and I even tapped it to my palms. I gripped it like I am gripping on my dear life. I gripped it like my life depends on it. "Bring back my two hundred pesos." I firmly said. I saw him swallowed and gave me an icy stare. He''s also standing as if he''ll ept my challenge of beating him to death, well, the slightest version I knew of. "What if I don''t?" "I''ll kill you." "For two hundred pesos? You can''t be too serious, miss. Are you sure you will do that to other people?" "Wow, did you think of that first before you get my money? Did you know what I did just to earn that?" "Get out of my way because you''re wasting my time." He warned, but I don''t care about it. I am more than determined to get back the money that he stole from me. It was all the money I have hardly earned for this whole morning alone. I pointed my palms to him and showed it to him openly as I moved four of my fingers back and forth as if inviting him for a challenge made of real weapons. "I will give you ast chance. Give my money back to me or I will kill you first before you eveny a finger on my skin? You choose." The guy looked at me, very amused of her reasons. He sighed and pulled something in his pocket. When I followed my gaze to what he''s been pulling, my eyes almost widened with shock. It was a five- hundred peso bill! "I don''t know how to solve math. I was born not knowing numbers that much. However, I can feel that you need this more than I do." I could feel the sarcasm to his tone. He gave it to me as I directly looked into his eyes. I was left speechless and dumbfounded. "Can I go now? You''re blocking the way." I supposed to hold him for a while, right? I can see him sigh as he chucked while he went away. I sighed and I even pped one of my cheeks because of what happened. I supposed to punish the guy but instead, he gave me what? I slowly put the five hundred peso bill on the left pocket of my pants. I went back to the store that I bought fruits with. "Ma''am, here''s my--" I widened my eyes when I found my two hundred peso bills on the right hand of my pants. I even rushed as I slid my hand inside my left pocket and I got another seven hundred fifty pesos. I looked at the fruit vendor as she also looked at me directly into my eyes... Oh shit! The man didn''t steal anything from me in the first ce! CHAPTER 5: THE SAME THING TWICE CHAPTER 5: THE SAME THING TWICE She''s holding bags of fruits and vegetables but she''s staring at nothingness. She didn''t even notice how she got back to their house after that incident. She was greeted by her three sisters giggling and showing their happy faces at her. Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. "Deandra?" Dina noticed my mood. "Sissy!" Dahliah excitedly hugged my waist as soon as she saw me. "Yow..." Dee came near me as she looked down, looking at a different direction. "My goodness. You''re calling me with three different names. It''s okay if you will all call me dear sister." She tapped all their heads as they got the bags from her hands. She smiled as she looked at them getting busier with the things she bought. However, she can''t help but to feel guilty. "I don''t know how to solve math. I was born not knowing numbers that much. However, I can feel that you need this more than I do." These are the exact words of the guy she mistook as a thief. She could feel the sarcasm from his tone. She can''t help but frowned at what she did. She pulled her hair with her fingers as she gritted her teeth. That scene repeated inside his head again and again. It made her feel really bad having wronged that guy. She felt really sorry for him and what she did to him. She groaned lightly as she stomped her feet many times on the floor. "Dear sister? What happened to you?" "Huh? Ah, I''m okay." She bit her lower lip as she avoided her gaze to her sisters. She slid her hand to the pocket where the five-hundred peso bill is. When she felt it from her pocket, she felt her heart pulsating. She closed her eyes when she realized that the five-peso bill is real and everything she did to the guy is epic. If only she could bring back the hours from a while ago and started to think wisely. She might think straight and analyze the situation first before jumping to worthless conclusions. "Are we going to cook the meat? We know how to cook the one you taught usst time, dear sister." Dina insisted. It made her worries slowly fade away as she looked at her younger sister''s face. That innocent-looking gaze made her feel a bit well even after that epic moment of her life. "Yes, dear. Make sure Dee and Dahlia will help you too." "Aye, aye, capt''n." Dee winked as she showed a salute pose to all of them. Dahlia pped her hands because of excitement. Deandra went to the kitchen and her three sisters followed her right away. She prepared all the things and ingredients needed to cook the food. The three of them observed very well. "Hey, Dahlia, don''t touch that, it''s a knife." Dina whispered to her sister. She handed it with care to Deandra who is wearing an apron now. "Okay. Watch me first and then I will let you all take turns as we cook the stewed beef meat with vegetables. Are we all ready?" "Yes!" They all chorused with smiles on their faces. Deandra only had an extra apron. That means, she will let her sister try to cook on the pot one by one. As one will cook, the rest will have to observe what she will do. She washed the potatoes, carrots and cabbages and drained them. She''s d that all her sisters observed her while doing it. "Who will be the first to try slicing the potatoes?" Deandra raised her hands a bit as she looked around her. She chuckled when Dahlia raised her hand first. "Okay. Looks like someone''s too hungry for knowledge." She looked at the twins who were looking at each other with hesitation. "Come here my little bunny." Deandra let Dahlia sit on herp as she pped her hands as she grinned. She gave her a little knife to slice the small potatoes that were already peeled. She started to slice the potatoes the way she instructed her. "Wow, I am happy that Dahlia is a fast learner." Dina nodded as she looked at Dahlia who is also proud of what she''s doing. Deandra is holding her hands as she guides her in slicing the potatoes carefully. Dahlia looked very happy and willing. She instructed the twins to help them in the other steps in cooking their lunch. As soon as they are done with it, their mother arrives from her mahjong session. They all stopped and stared at her looking at all of them, too. They all look at each other because their mother is frowning again. She could hear her mother silently cursing to herself. Maybe because of what happened to her Mahjong session. From her facial expression, you could see that she lost the game to her group of friends. "M-Mom, lunch is ready."Deandra greeted their mom with an awkward smile. "We all helped Deandra in cooking it." Dina cheerfully added. She only looked at the four of them with a nk expression. She''s still wearing her night dress with the towel on her hair, already dried up. She looked messy and miserable at the same time. Deandra could notice the dark circles around her eyes too. She looked down and she went to her room again, without a word. She never even answered or acknowledged Dina for telling something to her. Despite her daughter being proud of what they did, she didn''t care at all. "Uh, Dee, Dina and Dahlia, please set the tes. Get some rice and meat, too. I want you all to help one another." Deandra told them to at least shift their attention. They all agreed right away. They moved in a swift motion. Deandra could see that they were already hungry. After setting up the table, they all sat quietly while looking at her. It''s like they are all waiting for her signal for them to eat. She chuckled a bit. They prayed and thanked God for the meal and they already started eating. "Please eat well, I have to get mom to join us." "As if she did that." Dee said with sarcasm and she rolled her eyes. She frowned as if not liking Deandra''s suggestion at all. "Dee, it is an inappropriate thing to do in front of a meal. Please tell your sisters to eat well. I will be right back real quick." Deandra stood up and wiped her mouth with the table napkin after taking many spoonfuls of rice with meat. When she''s outside their mom''s room, she knocked gently before entering her room. "Mom?" "Don''t mind me. I will eatter after all of you are done with your meals." Her mom answered while laying on her bed like a bedridden woman. She turned her back to her, not even minding to talk to Deandra face to face. "Mom?" She said one more time as she gently pulled her mom''s body that''s facing sidewards, turning her back at her. She made her turn to her slowly as she faced her. However, she noticed her mom''s eyes were shut. It''s as if she''s closing it on purpose but she noticed a damp on her left cheek. Was her mom crying? As soon as she saw her in that situation, she gently slid her hand on her pocket and got the five- hundred peso bill. "Were you lost to your game again?" She had no response. "Here, I have five hundred peso-bill, mom. It''s for you to keep. Do whatever that makes you happy." CHAPTER 6: A NEW LIFE CHAPTER 6: A NEW LIFE Deandra''s POV She looked at me and she also shifted her gaze to the 500-peso bill that I am giving her. "I don''t mind if you will spend it on something that makes you happy." I said in a cheerful manner. I saw her swallowed. She looked at the money that I am offering her. She''s like having second thoughts to ept it. Content provided by N?velDrama.Org. "Do you still have your allowance?" She said in a cracked voice. I noticed her lips were dry and her eyes looked gloomy. "Yes, mom. Don''t worry about me too much." "If you offer it to me willingly, I will ept this. Thank you Deandra." She slowly got the bill from my hand and put it inside the pocket of her loose dress right away. "Please eat after we''re done if that''s what you want." I stood up from beside her bed. She stayed motionless, her gaze still follows me even if I am stepping out of her room already. When I went back to the table, my sisters were almost starting their meal. However, I noticed that they were talking to one another as if discussing an interesting topic. They lean their heads near each other as they giggled. "Oh my! I thought you''re all done eating." I said as I sat down beside Dina. Dee lost her smile as she noticed me without mom. "Dear sister, Dee said we need to wait for you because mother might eat with us." Dahlia confessed. I saw Dee cleared her throat as she raised one of her eyebrows. "I never said that," She turned her gaze at the other direction. "She''s tired. She said she wanted to rest for a while." "See, I told you..." Dina frowned as she looked down. I noticed that she''s ying with her spoon. She used it to mix her bowl of meat as if she had lost her appetite already. "Dina, don''t y with the food. Let us eat now. Please finish your food because not everyone can eat something as delicious as that one." I held her hand to prevent her as she continued what she''s doing. Her sisters nodded as they were holding their spoons and fork. "She''s always like that. We should never wait for her." Dina muttered while trying to eat now. "Dina, stop it. Finish your meal and we will talk." I looked at her with a serious expression. Dee and Dahlia looked at them as they paused eating. "Let''s eat. Let mother rest for a while." Deandra is looking at Dina who is concentrating in eating her meal. When we''re done eating, I let Dee and Dahlia y in the living room while I let Dina stay with me. She looked down as she faced me. "Dina, why do you say those things?" "Mother is not keeping her promise. I do not like her anymore." "Please do not hate our mother, dear." "Why not?" She can''t even look at me because she''s still disappointed because our mother didn''t join us for lunch. "Because she loves us so much." "Love? Really? Are you sure about that?" "Dina, lovees in many forms. It so happened that we can''t easily see it from her now." "Can we see it soon, then? I nodded and hugged my twelve-year-old sister. Her small arms hugged me back and I can feel that she''s sobbing. I simply wiped my tears with my hands that''s streaming down my cheeks. It''s a bit sad but I don''t want my younger sisters to see that I am also feeling weak. As the eldest sister, I must be tough for all of them. I let her go and let out a sigh of relief. I am forced to smile in front of her as she looks at me in the eyes. "You can y with Dee and Dahlia now. They are waiting for you." "Will I tell them about what you said, dear Deandra?" She smiled as I cupped both of her cheeks. "Yes. Please tell them if they will ask you what we talked about." "Okay dear sister." She went to the living room right away after what I told her. I looked at mom''s room again. The door opened slowly and she went outside even without acknowledging my presence. I followed her and as she sat in one of the chairs, I got her a te and rice in a bowl. I also got her a bowl of meat. "Did you eat with your sister?" I shook my head as I met her gaze. She got up and went to the cupboard again to get a spoon and fork, as well as an extra te and a ss of water. She put it all in front of me as I lifted my chin to look at her facial expression. We ate in silence but I nced at her and what she''s doing. In my peripheral vision, she''s focusing on eating the food and nothing else. She looked at the meat and chewed it like a hungry horse. "Mom, I''ll be adding another part-time job tomorrow." She looked serious as she faced me. "You already have three. Can you still handle it?" "I guess." She put her utensils and held my arm, when I rxed my limbs when I ate, she touched my arm and caressed it lightly. "I''m so sorry..." She started to droop her shoulders and I could hear her sniffing her nose. Was she crying? I also put down my utensils and held her hands that were holding my arm. "I will do my best for you to be prouder of me." A smile curved her lips. "Whatever makes you happy dear, I will support you." I could see the heads of my three sisters peeping from the door, looking really curious as they looked at each other. They just observed silently from afar. "Dina, Dee and Dahlia,e here." They nodded as they heard the voice of mom calling them toe near her. She smiled as she tapped their heads as they stood in front of her. "Have you all been doing good to your sister Deandra?" "Yes, mom. We are being nice to our dear sister." They all chorused in a cheerful voice that I can''t help but chuckle. Dahlia came near me as she showed a cute smile. I held her and let her sit on myp. "Mommy, please eat with us starting today, please? Please?" Dina said as she tugged her shirt. She even hugged mom that mom couldn''t help butugh. She nodded that made the three jump for joy. I am hopeful that mom will change for the better this time. She will really make my siblings happy. If I will search for another job, I am confident that she will take good care of them. CHAPTER 7: LESS OF A TIME CHAPTER 7: LESS OF A TIME Deandra''s POV I am still tired when I wake up the next day. Sleeping at ten in the eveningst night and waking up at four in the morning is not enough for me. I am up and about as I slowly prepared my cup of coffee. I went back to the room and Dahlia is still showing me her awkward sleeping position. Her feet on the headboard of the bed while her head on the foot of the bed. I can''t help but giggle in a softer tone of my voice. I am amused at her but I don''t want to wake her up at the same time. I tapped her head and kissed her forehead. I also lift her up to put her in a correct sleeping position. I lay her down with her head on the pillow near the headboard of the bed; the right way of sleeping this time. I exited our house without them even knowing it. I don''t want to disturb them as much as possible. I am sure most of them are still sleeping including my mom. As a result, I just cooked rice in the rice cooker and topped it with eggs and sausages I had bought yesterday. I know as I do this stuff everyday, they are getting used to it. I opened our entrance door and slowly closed it for me to not create any noise. I know they are still sleeping. If ever they will wake up, I am confident that their breakfast is prepared now. I get on the bus, still not in my full mood because I am sleepy and tired at the same time. I sat next to the window of the bus and closed my eyes to have a little nap. When the bus stopped on the West Hill station, I felt quick stepsing to where I am sitting right now. When somebody sat next to me, I couldn''t help but open my eyes to take a peek of who that person is out of curiosity. My heart started to race wild as soon as I saw him...it was the guy whom I thought stole my two- hundred peso bills! I covered my face with the books I am holding right now. What is he doing here in our school? Is he trying to follow me? I looked over my book and he seemed to not care about me because he''s wearing his headset while bobbing his head. I think he''s enjoying his music. He doesn''t mind who is beside him. I swallowed as I closed my eyes. I bit my lower lip as I continued covering my face with my books. Gosh I really hope I am only dreaming. I have a feeling that we are attending the same University. I am really thankful that I am wearing my uniform this time around, and not looking so ragged. I guess that''s the reason why I''m not being familiar to him. I really hope so. As soon as the bus stopped in front of our University gate, he got off right away. I breathed out a sigh of relief as I also got off the bus just minutes after him. I noticed himing to the CAS building in a hurried manner. Wow, I think he''s really cool. I know students from that building are very intellectual. Is he awyer in the making? I know most of the students who study that course will eventually takew. I went to our building to attend some of my units. I am taking up a business administration course so that I will be knowledgeable to run a business someday. Hours passed by swiftly. I am so excited for my fourth part time job that I never noticed how the time flies fast. I am happy that I have a friend who gave up her duty slot in the library. As one of the student assistants, I was given the chance to take over her ce. She rmended me to the librarian right away. I was deeply humbled because she described me as hardworking and dedicated to any form of work, regardless of how difficult or easy the nature of work is. "Ma''am, thank you. I will do my best." I even bowed down in front of the senior librarian that she couldn''t help but chuckle. "Oh this silly girl, you must be. I don''t need promises. I am looking at how you work. I will give you a week as a probationary for this part-time job. If you do the job well, you''ll be the student assistant assigned here up until your final year here in the University." "Wow! Thank you so much, ma''am. Thank you!" I bowed many times that she can''t help butugh because I think she''s amused with what I did. "Alright. Please ask Arianne for additional questions. I will be busy for the next two hours." Content provided by N?velDrama.Org. "Okay, ma''am. Thank you." I smiled as I stood up, bowed a little again and went out of her mini-office inside the library. In my every step, I feel like I am on cloud nine. "Ari, I talked to Mrs. Libby Seo already." "Wee to the family then!" She grinned as we did the high five. "Why did you prefer the library among others? I think the medicineb pays more than the library." "I wanted here the most because this ce is quieter, plus I can study if there will be less students." "I will not agree entirely with you. It is always busy here, especially during exams. You have to brace yourself." "Really? Thank you for informing me ahead of time." I shrugged as I showed her my weak smile. I went with Arianne, one of my library colleagues. She introduced the different aisles to me where different bookshelves stood. There were thousands of books and I have to familiarize myself to every genre of books she''s introducing me. The left side were academic books while fiction and non-fiction books dominated the right side. While we''re walking on one of the aisles when somebody caught my attention. I panicked and moved fast that I was able to hide myself from behind Arianne when that guy passed in front of us. "Huh?" Arianne turned her back and looked at me while I covered my face with a book entitled, "Keeping up with the nerds". "I''m okay, don''t worry." I grinned in a very awkward manner. "Are you hiding from that guy?" Arianne referred to the guy using her thumb while closing the rest of her fingers from her left hand as she raised one of her eyebrows. "Do you know him?" I asked her back that made her chuckle. "Well, who doesn''t know him? He''s even my crush!" Arianne said while giggling. What shall I do? Wherever I will go, our paths always cross. It''s a small world after all! CHAPTER 8: SOMEONE SPECIAL CHAPTER 8: SOMEONE SPECIAL She''s almost speechless. Arianne looked at Deandra, confused and amused at the same time. "You know what, Deandra, as I observe you looking at Andrew, it''s like you''re seeing a ghost. What happened?" "Well, don''t mingle with guys. The reason is that, I am too shy to even look at any male avable around me." "Oh I see. Don''t worry. Andrew is nice and friendly. He''s popr here among girls because he''s really studious." She giggled as she tapped my arm with his hand. ''Oh, so his name is Andrew...'' I kept these words to myself. I nodded in awe as I listened to Arianne. N?velDrama.Org owns all content. "Well, I don''t see you as a threat," Arianne added while looking at me from head to toe while grinning. What was she even thinking about? "...so I allow you to talk to him. Please get used to his presence." "What do you mean, ''get used to his presence?" "Well, he''s a daily visitor here in the school library. He loves studying more than anything, you know." "Oh, that''s why." "That is one of the reasons why I wanted to be assigned here because he''s only mine and mine alone." She said as she winked. "The reason I also rmended you, well, aside from you, being a trustworthy friend, I don''t think you''ll be his type so I agreed. I rmended you instead of those trying-hard girls." "What? Gosh, you''re crazy!" I eximed and sheughed at my reaction. "Please? Take good care of him. Don''t worry, he''s harmless." She chuckled and winked at me as well. Somehow, I am hurt because of how she looked at me as if I am not desirable at all. "Are you both in a rtionship?" I whispered near her ears that she chuckled right away. "Well, not as of the moment but don''t you worry. It will be sooner than you expect." She replied as she winked at me. Arianne is beautiful and petite. She''s fashionable and I am not wondering anymore. As a tourism student, she can handle herself very well. "Do you still have questions, my dear?" "Nope. I guess that''s all for today." "Okay. If you don''t have questions, I will leave you here. Please go home by 7:00 PM. Kelly will still have her duty until the end of this week at 7:00-9:00PM. I nodded and smiled in a very awkward way. I am still thankful that Arianne is a bit friendly to me. I noticed she''sfortable with people whom she thought isn''t a threat to her. I looked at her as her hair swayed following how she walked. I sighed as I stood on my post. I am now assigned at the library baggage counter. It''s a bit lonely but I have to endure it for my siblings and for our mom as well. "Miss, here." I smiled as I looked at the number 65 printed in number tags. I lifted my head to see who it was, I turned my back right away. "Miss? Can you give me my backpack now? I am in a hurry." I nced at him and I can see him looking at his wristwatch. I can feel that he''s getting impatient. I grabbed the number tag as I avoided my gaze on him as much as possible. I found the 65th slot box and ced his heavy backpack on the counter table. "H-Here." I let my hair down to the bigger part of my face as I look at the other direction. "Thanks." He grabbed it and put it on his shoulders and started to walk away as he whistled. I can still smell his scent that seemed to stick on my clothes. I sighed with relief after I am sure that he''s gone already. I am happy that somehow he''s not interested in looking at my face. So his name is Andrew. It''s just sad that I haven''t gotten his family name. I want to search him on facebook. At least, stalking him there won''t make me ountable for a crime. I put my hands on my cheek as I put my elbows on the counter table as I am waiting for the other students to get their things or to put it here for a while as they go inside the library. I think I have a problem now. How long could I hide from him when he''s a regr student here? I feel like having an unwanted shadow whenever our paths will cross. Can I avoid him forever? Minutes turned into hours and it is already 7:00PM. I got ready to go to myst part-time job for today, as one of those part-time waitresses in a popr fast-food chain. I am thankful that somehow they are epting students as their waiters or waitresses that could work for them at least a minimum of two hours per day. I changed my uniform into the restaurant''s standard cored-shirt uniform and brown khaki pants. I also wore a hai and a visor too. "Wow, girl, are you still okay until 9:00 PM?" "Yes, Kylie. I am still up," I smiled at her in a cheerful manner, and even showed my two thumbs up to her but my eyes wanted to close already. "I really admire you so much. You''re a tough cookie dear. Eat this first before you wait tables." She handed me a clubhouse sandwich and a ss of cold soda. "Wow, thank you so much Kylie!" I opened it and munched it right away. I never felt hunger until she offered me some food and it felt really good. When I finished my snack and dinner at the same time, I started to go to the isle of tables as I tended other people''s orders. I started to scribble the name of orders and even the table number when someone caught my attention. It''s a beautiful girl wearing a floral tie-waist flounce dress that emphasized bohemian fashion. The dress blended her fair skin effortlessly. She also matched it with a pair of brown low-cut cuban heels. She seemed to be waiting for someone. She roamed her head around the room in a very graceful manner. I am not a man but I feel like I am being a tomboy for five minutes straight by just staring at her physique. "Deandra, many are calling you now, what are you doing? You''re not even moving there." Kylie said as she came rushing to me while carrying a tray full of burgers and pastas. "S-Sorry. I will go to other tables now." I nodded as I replied to my co-worker. When that woman noticed me staring at her for long, she smiled at me as she raised her hand. I walked near her as I took the fast food''s order form. "Hi, I wanted to order a piece of cheese burger and one bottled water, please. Thank you." "Okay, ma''am. Coming right up." I scribbled her order on the order form that made her chuckle as if she''s feeling amused. "Honey, sorry I''mte." When I turned my back to the woman, I was able to hit on something. I felt it was the chest of a man. When I looked up, I felt like not moving at all, that I wanted to evaporate into the thin air... It''s Andrew again, for the third time! 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