Chapter 3: Her Family's Misfortune

Chapter 3: Her Family's Misfortune

She was happy that in a few months she will be graduating. She is now in her last semester after that she can finally go home and help her parents with their business.

She had just arrived in her apartment, which she shared with another student, when her mobile rang. It was her mother.

“Harebell?”

“mom?”

“ I have something to tell you but I know that you will not going to like it. I just hope that you will try to understand” her mother had started saying. And she was not prepared for the rest of what her mother had to say.

“I am afraid you have to come back soon.”

“  But why mom? Was there something wrong happened?” she asked nervously.

“The truth is, we can’t afford your education anymore. Your father got himself tangled in a wrong investment and he lost a lot.”

“Oh my God. But it is not that bad is it. I mean we did not lost everything,  right?”

“I am sorry, Harebell, but your father was forced to sell our properties. There are people he owes and he has to pay them back.” her mother replied.

“Is it that worse?” Harebell can hardly find her voice. She has mixed emotions. Right now, she has to face the facts.

“Your brother is also in prison”

This time Harebell felt that her world had just flipped upside down. She can’t  imagine these misfortunes that befall them.

“What trouble has he got himself again this time?”

“He went to beat the man who recruited your father to invest in that scam. I am sorry, everything is really bad now. I don’t know what to do. Your father is also depressed.” She can hear her mother sobbing.

“We will find a way ,mom. I promise. We will get over this.” She is trying to console her mother but deep inside her, she also does not know what to do.

She wanted to go home but she also felt that what good will it do if she goes home?  She wanted to finish her studies but she also felt that her family needed her.

She could not get her mind off her situation. She has to find a way on how she could continue her studies and help her family .

“Harebell?” It was her room mate. She did not notice her arrival.

“oh, Margaret. “

“yeah. It is me. I had  been in for a few minutes already  but you looked so engrossed in your thoughts that you did not seem to notice me. Is something the matter?”

“Well, I just received a call from my mom, and they are now in a little financial difficulty. It is possible that I might not be able to finish the remaining term.” Harabell said with a lace of sadness in her tone.

“Have you already decided on what to do? It would be a waste if you will not finish your schooling.”

“That is what I am thinking right now. If I can find a job, then maybe I will stay.”

“Maybe I can help you with that. I will try to ask my part time if they know someone who might need help.”

“Really?! That would be most helpful.”

“But I am not promising. I will try. So cheer up.”

“Ok. But thank you all the same.”

 ~~~~

The following day, Margaret  called her sometime in the afternoon,  telling her that she needs to go to a certain  address for an interview.

“You mean now?”  she asked her friend.

“Yes. I am sorry. They said they will be busy and they only have this four o’clock to accommodate you.”

“What did you tell them I am applying for?”

“Part time house help or part time nanny.”

“Ok. Thanks”

“Yeah. For now those are the only job you can fit in. They will not be requiring your legal working papers.”

“Yes of course. I understand.”

“Ok. I will see you tonight. Good luck.”

She quickly prepared herself. She only have an hour before the set time of interview and she has no idea where the place is. It may only take her twenty to twenty-five  minutes top to get there. But she decided to make an allowance of the time because  she is afraid of heavy traffic.

She took a taxi  and was dropped exactly at the  very gate of the house in the address. It took her twice to press the intercom before someone answered.

Juanita, a middle aged native Mexican  is the caretaker of the house. Harebell introduced herself and was then led to the property.

They entered a vast property and the house is obviously a large one. They entered a high-ceilinged living room and  were led to an another room which she thought was the office.

“You are a little early. Would you like to wait here in the office or do you want to look around first.”

“This place is so beautiful and big. Will I not get lost if I wander around?”

“How about you come with me to the garden. Besides I do not want you bumping into our guest. You are Chinese, right ? “

“Yes”

“Were you told that this family is Chinese ?”

“Oh no. I never bothered asking my friend since I was told at the last minute. I completely forgot to ask for the details.”

They were on their way to the garden when the caretaker told her to go ahead, pointing to the direction of the garden.

She saw someone working on the plants  and concluded that he was the gardener.

Unaware of the uneven pavement she tripped and fell ,  but quickly got up embarrassed that she might have been seen by the man. When he looked in his direction, he had his back on her. She felt relieved because she believed that he was not seen tripped over.

“Hi! You are a gardener? It is beautiful. You must be very skilled.” As she drew closer she realized that he was tall. And when he turned to her direction, she felt an intimidating aura. He steps closer to her. He was looking down at her from twelve inches above her head. He surely got a good build up.

“You should mind your step when you are in an unfamiliar ground, little lady.” His voice sounded irritated and it annoys her.

‘Little lady? What the.....’  she felt anger boiling up. “ well, you are the gardener, you should check the pavements here, tell your boss and fix it.” She marched away annoyed.