Chapter 3

Reina's POV 

After the doctor cleared me to go home the next day, I went to check myself out.

Anna had called me earlier, almost screaming my ear off.

She had said some hurtful words about how I had kept such a huge secret from her.

Everyone seemed to know who the LMT guy was except me. So, I decided to do my research.

One thing I knew though was that this dude was seriously rich and I was going to milk this situation to the best of my abilities.

Opportunities, afterall, came once in a lifetime.

As soon as I got out of the hospital, I was bombarded by a lot of people, shoving microphones in my face.

One, two, action!

“Is it true that you’re dating Mr. Bladell?” The first question came.

“I would prefer to not reveal.” I said, a coy smile on my face. I really should take up a career in acting.

“Where did you guys meet?”

“Top secret. If you really want to know, ask Ian himself.” I giggled, stalling for time in a bid to wait for Anna.

“Are you guys in love or you’re just another of his flings?”

“I didn’t want to say anything but..” I trailed off, leaning closer to them. “Ian loves me a lot and I love him even more.”

They seemed satisfied with my answer.

“What made LMT fall for you?” I was out of comments by this time and tried to get away from them.

“Why were you both in the hospital? Is anyone sick or are you pregnant?” I stared at the journalist. What a ridiculous question!

“We came to see a friend.”

“Are your parents wealthy?”

I sighed in relief when I saw Anna pull up in her silver Honda.

Some may think she was a movie star or a model. Her strawberry blonde hair was packed in a tight chignon, her blue eyes gleaming under the light coat of makeup and she was dressed in a navy blue suit.

“Sorry,we have to go. “ She said, waving to the reporters. She moved in graceful strides towards me and looped my arms in hers, leading me to the car.

When we were in the safety of the car and away from prying eyes, she finally revealed her inner weirdo.

She leaned in so close to me, I could literally feel her breath on my face.”I know you’re not dating Mr rich guy. You would have told me all about it.”

Oh poor thing. It’s not everything I can tell you about. At least not about my heart disease.

“True. You caught me. I don’t even know the guy, I just bumped into him and someone saw. It’s like a miracle.”

“What do you mean by a miracle? I thought you hated being in the spotlight.”

“Who said I did?! I’m willing to do anything it takes to fulfill my dreams.”

Anna stared at me like I had grown two heads.

Maybe I probably have.

“By anything, you mean?” She asked, slowing down for a traffic light.

“Getting Ian Bladell to fall for me.” I said, somewhat confidently. “He will probably be annoyed with the rumors so he will look for me and try to clear the atmosphere. That would have been possible if I didn’t already tip the paps.”

If she had been drinking something, this was the part she choked on it. She was clearly astounded.

“Are you crazy? What’s going on in that little head of yours?”

“Just help me glam up. You either support me or not. There’s no going back from this.”

“You know I will always support you. But, are you sure about this? Rich people are crazy.”

I stared at her pointedly. “You are rich.”

“I didn’t say I wasn’t crazy.” She smirked. “We are going shopping tomorrow.”

“I knew I could always count on you. Thank you girlfriend.”

“You’re welcome darling. Moving on to more important things, why were you in the hospital?”

********************

Anna dropped me off at home. She stayed with me for a while, plotting and scheming. Then she left when the twins got back.

“We’re happy you’re back home. It was so boring without you.” Jerry said, hugging me while Diego just stood aloft, staring at us.

They were both taller than me, taking after dad. Speaking of which…..

“Did dad come home last night?” I asked. They shook their heads. And as if on cue, dad waltzed in, totally sober.

“Hey kids. I brought ice cream and pizza.” He announced, waving the bag in the air. His eyes were red and sunken. He was also much leaner and looked really unkempt.

“Hi dad. Didn’t you go to work today?” I asked, signaling for the boys to play along. They plastered huge smiles on their faces. 

“Ahh no. I got off work early to spend time with my children.”

“Awwn.. thanks dad. I’ll get plates for us. Why don’t you tell dad about school, guys?” I said, moving away. The boys glared at me.

It was such a mental exercise being with dad even on the few days he was sober. Any wrong, misguided utterance would send him out the door, coming back home drunk.

“I’m back.” I said, almost cheerily. 

“Come sit beside me.” Dad said. He waited till we were all seated with our slices of pizza before he spoke. “You know, I’m proud of you all. And I know I’ve not been the best father but I’m trying, believe me.”

“It’s okay, dad. We know you are.” I replied, patting his hand. 

“Thank you Reina. For taking care of your brothers. How is your final year going?”

I replied then he asked each of us questions.

We decided to watch a movie like the old times.

I was happy, beyond excited.

My dad was sober and I had a chance to help my family.

By the time we all retired to bed, we were exhausted. We binge watched one of mom’s favorite movies. There was a lot of crying and reminiscing involved but at least, dad didn’t bolt at the mention of mum’s name.

Maybe God finally answered my prayers. I thought as I drifted asleep.