Fate

chapter 24

After my walk with ma'am Vera, I felt better. So,I went back to go rest. The days went by with its same normal routine,and the scowl on ma'am Judith's got deeper every time she bumped into me. But she couldn't do anything because ma'am Vera or sir Daniel was always nearby. I also tried to avoid her. A month passed by swiftly,and yet I was able to hide my pregnancy.
I still didn't know how everyone would feel when they got to know of it. It sometimes gave me chills. Sir Daniel and I had also become close. Of course, we still aren't out in the open yet.
But that doesn't stop him from coming to see me from time to time. I get nervous whenever he comes because I feel that someone might catch us.
Whenever he comes to me,he brings me fruits,telling me to eat them since they're healthy. Then, after seeking permission from me,he lays a gentle hand on my belly and talks to the baby. It felt strange at first,but now I am used to it. One particularly day,I was done with my house chores, and sir Daniel and ma'am Vera were nowhere in sight,so I decided to go and visit my father. I got to the debtor's prison and inquired about my dad,only to learn that he is no longer there. I was told he got released the night before, and his debts are cleared.
I got confused. Who would be kind enough to do that for me? Out of curiosity, I headed to my parents' home. I got there, and I saw my dad,in the flesh staring at nowhere in particular, with a pained look on his eyes.

"D..dad?"

He turned to look at me.

"Bessie?"

He stared at me with pain. I didn't know how to react till I felt him engulf me I a warm hug and shedding tears.

"I..I missed you, dad. I am so sorry."

"Shh,it's okay, baby. I am sorry I vented out on you the last time. It is not your fault. It was never your fault. I failed to protect you and Mary."

"Dad,how did.. how did you get out?"

"I don't know how, i was about to ask you the same question. All I know is that my name was cleared by a friend of yours."

"A friend of mine? I do not know anyon-"

We were interrupted by a knock on the door. I turned my head and saw Sir Daniel.

"Sorry to bother, may I come in, please?"

"Sure, sir..?

"Pleaae call me Daniel,sir, just Daniel."

"Please come in. There's nothing much here, but please feel comfortable."

"What brings you my humble home,uh.. Daniel?"

"Well,Bessie's works in my house, and I haven't seen her today, so I came to see if she's here and alright."

"Ah, that is thoughtful of your my boy. To leave your house in this scorching sun to come look for a worker,she must be a hard worker."

"Yes,she is,and a very special person."

All this while,I was quiet. I knew I had to tell my dad of my current situation. With all the courage I could muster,I called out to him.

"Father,t..t..there is something I...w..would like to t..t..tell you."

"What is it? Did you misbehave while I was away?"