Chapter 2: The Crossroads of Fate

Cecilia's pov

 As I put my head on Max's shoulder, the slight hum of the television filled the small apartment.

The smell of motor oil and cigarettes drifted into my nose. We had sex twice that night because he was angry at something and sex was his coping mechanism.

All I wanted to do was fall into bed after a long shift at the bar. Max however had his own methods of relaxing and I lacked the stamina to object.

 My head throbbed, my body hurt and my mind was racing with all the issues that were just waiting to consume me.

 The bar manager had threatened to fire me if business didn't improve quickly, the rent was past due and my fathers medical bills were mounting.

 Max broke the silence by whispering into my ears, his other hand roaming my body under the sheets .

"You're quiet today."

  "Just tired." But my response was an understatement.

All I wanted to do was scream, cry and ask the universe to be patient with me.

 But Max wasn't into in-depth discussions.

He lit a cigarette, his sharp jawline illuminated by the flicker of the flame

"Babe, worry too much. You only live once and life is so short to worry."

 He said it with ease and chuckled. It wasn't Max who had to deal with a boss who was breathing down his neck, a sick father and growing debt.

 He didn't have to bear the burden of the entire world. My phone buzzed on the coffee table before I could answer him.

 I reached forward and grabbed it but when I saw the hospital number I froze.

It broke my heart.

" Hello? I said in a shaky voice..

 The nurse said quickly ."Miss Cecilia, your father's condition has gotten worse.You must come to the hospital right away."

 I was hit with panic like a tidal wave.

" I—I am on my way." I stuttered and I jumped to my feet after hanging up.

" Max, I have to go. My father's condition just got worse."

 He hardly lifted his cigarette. "You want me to accompany you? I can keep you company and then we can come back for another round." He gave a coy smile and I wondered how he had managed to convince me to be his girlfriend.

I hastily grabbed my clothes on the floor.

 "No, it's fine." I said wearing my bra I didn't have time to argue and Max wasn't exactly the consoling type.

" I'll give you a call later."

 I was slapped by the chilly night air as I hurried to my old dilapidated car. With my heart racing, I slammed the engine into life and pulled onto the road.

 “Please, please just wait Dad” I muttered clutching the steering wheel until my knuckles turned white.

 My nerves were shot but the hospital wasn't far away. Every moment seemed to drag on forever and I was scared that what I dreaded most would happen, that my father would die just as I always had nightmares about.

I was speeding down the street, my mind consumed by so much thoughts and fear that I didn't see when a car suddenly pulled up at the intersection.

 My eyes spun in my head and immediately the tires screeched as I slammed on the brakes but it was already too late.

 The other driver's car skidded across the road and collided with a lamppost after he made a sudden swerve to avoid an accident. To avoid hitting me.

My heart almost jumped out of my chest as I gasped and I knew I was in trouble.

 I stopped to the side of the road and mumbled.

" Oh my God. " I was immediately hit with a mad headache and was surrounded with confusion.

With unsteady legs I leaped from my car and walked toward the wrecked car.

 The sleek black car's front end was crumpled like an accordion with steam coming from the hood .

The car looked so expensive, that even if I was to sell every pin and property I could scrap, I wouldn't be able to buy one of the tires.

A man who appeared as if he had just stepped out of a magazine got out from the driver's door. His broad shoulders, height and authoritative demeanor made my breath catch. He was handsome , too handsome for his own good Even in the low light of the street, his angular jawline and intense brown eyes were remarkable, his thin , sensual lips were so kissable.

He didn't appear happy with me and he stared at me like I was a lost six year old .

Cold and angry he demanded .

"What the hell were you thinking?. Someone could have been killed by your stupidity."

" I—I'm so sorry. "I stammered embarrassed." I'm so sorry that I didn't see you. I had to get to the hospital quickly—. "

He shook his head and combed through his neatly combed hair ." Save the excuses. Are you aware of the extent of the harm you have caused?"

 Guilt gripped me as I looked at his car. I knew I would never be able to pay for the serious damage." Look, I'll work something out. I promise to cover the cost of the repairs."

With a doubtful expression he arched an eyebrow. "Are you even covered by insurance?"

"No, I'm not." I said in a voice that was hardly audible above a whisper .

 "Of course you dont." He muttered and crossed his hands ."Unbelievable."

I blinked away the tears that pricked my eyes. "Please this wasn't what I intended to happen. I was in a rush to get to the hospital where my dad was . I promise I'll find a way to pay for the damages."

 His hard but unreadable gaze lingered on me for a moment. "What's your name?."

As I swallowed hard I said .

"Cecilia."

"Well Cecilia, you've made quite the mess. And I'm not tolerant with the likes of you." He said sharply

My fists clenched as my frustration boiled up. "I promised to pay for the repairs, I told you. What else would you want me to do?"

 He gave a sly smile but it was without humor. "I want you to own up to your mistakes. That vehicle is a piece of art not just a car. And now it's a mess because of you."

"I didn't mean to do that!" I yelled, raising my voice.

" Intent is irrelevant here," he retorted. "There are repercussions for such actions. "

I felt like crying but I resisted the urge to do so in front of this proud stranger.

" I'll pay you back.” I repeated with a trembling voice ."Give me a little time please."

He squeezed the bridge of his nose and sighed. “All right. But don't assume for a moment that I'm letting you go free. I will get in contact. "

"How? I asked, confused.

He took out his phone and gave it to me.

"Enter your phone number. I'll make sure you remember what you said."

 After hesitating I took the phone and entered my number. "There, happy now?_

With a dry tone he said ." I'm so ecstatic."

 He turned and walked back to his damaged car without saying another word. He took out his own phone and called probably to arrange for a tow truck while I stood there and watched.

 There wasn't time for me to think about what had just happened. My father needs me now but how would I say this to this perfect, proud stranger ?

And the promise of repairing his car, heaven knows that I was as broke as anything.

I was just lying to go free.

"Get into the car." He said when he returned." I'm taking you to the police." he said before I could even say a word