Every students were in the gymnasium to attend theopening ceremony and welcoming of the freshmen in the college. It wasDanielle's first time to see such a big crowd. The President of the Universitywas speaking on the stage with his subordinates.
Danielle couldn't believe her eyes that there were somany freshmen and different colleges in just one University. She met new peoplebut never attached herself to anyone. She remained focus on her goal in life.
As time goes by, Danielle had adapted herself to hernew environment but she never go into any deeper relationship with her malecolleagues or make a deeper connection with her fellow freshmen. She remained distantbut knows how to handle with her colleagues.
From her first month in college until the end of thefirst semester, Danielle only focused herself in her studies and in working.She can go along well with anybody as long as they don't show some bad thingson her.
In Greenwich, Danielle became known for being responsibleand obedient staff. One day, a branch manager came to visit and Danielle wasthe only crew who was doing almost all the work in the service area. The othercrews were having secret conversations in a corner.
“ I noticed one of your crew a while ago.” The newarrived branch manager said to Mr. Donald who was sitting, facing him in atable. The branch manager is none other than Mr. Flix.
“ You always noticed anyone here in my branch. Who isit this time?” Mr. Donald laughed in mockery.
“ Why don’t you go and look around for yourself? Tosee on what's going on in the service area?” Mr. Flix made a grin.
Donald somehow felt bewildered and he stood up andwalked away from the table. He went straight to the service area and saw howdedicated Danielle was in her work while the others were only just foolingaround. He went back to the table where Mr. Flix was waiting for him.
“ Well...What did you find out? Am I only teasing you?”Mr. Flix said when he noticed that Mr. Donald's face darkened as if he sawsomething bad that made him angry.
“ I'll settle with them later after work. No onemesses with me. “ Mr. Donald said with displeasure.
Mr. Flix smiled secretly and they continued having theirbreak. After Mr. Flix got out of the building and it was already closing time,the staff and crew of Greenwich gathered in the service area and discussedabout what happened today.
“ Do you know that I was humiliated just now by one ofour branch manager in the main branch?”
Everyone started gossiping while Danielle remainedsilent. She knows that ethics should be preserved when in a conference. Unlikeher colleagues, they were gossiping as if their superior was not present infull of them.
“ From now on, when I see anyone of you just foolingaround in time of work, you are going to have a disciplinary action. You knowthe rules of this company. I also received a letter from the main Branch. Someof you are being promoted from your position. Namely: Mark, Danielle andStella. Congratulations to the three of you and keep up the good work!”
Hearing their names called and being promoted, Danielleand Stella went home happily.
But there was also a bad news when morning came. Anunexpected visit came to Danielle. It was Jenny, her cousin.
“ Hi, Danielle! How are you?” Jenny asked when theywere sitting in the living room.
“ Hi, Jenny! I'm okay. How's Nanang Elsa?” Danielle repliedback.
Looking a little hesitant, Jenny bravely looked at herin the eye. “ Nanang Elsa is not doing well. She has been hospitalized yesterdayand she wanted to see you. Do you think you can spare some of your time to goand see her?”
Shocked by the news, Danielle stood up. “ Oh my God! Waita minute. I'll just change my clothes.”
She dashed into their room and took her wallet. She changedher clothes and looked at Stella. “Hey, Stella! Can you please tell AuntCynthia that I'm going to stay in my Grandmother's house today and I’ll comeback tomorrow.”
Stella was playing with her phone when she saw therushing Danielle who looked pale and worried. “ Okay. How about work?”
“ I'll take the earliest bus tomorrow so that I couldcatch up for work. Please bring with you my uniform and place it in my lockerwhen you go to work tomorrow. “ Danielle said.
“ Okay. What's your schedule tomorrow by the way? “Stella asked curiously.
“ It's 9 in the morning. I saw your schedule and yoursis at eight in the morning. Please don't forget my things.” Danielle pleaded. “I have to go now. Bye!”
Rushing outside their room, Danielle forgot to wearher shoes. She was wearing only her slipper. Jenny noticed it and laughed abit.” Danielle, your not wearing your shoes.”
“ Damn it!” Danielle blurted out loud and she rushedagain going back to their room.
The three girls were surprised to see her come back. “ Hey! What’s wrong!” Ivyasked, looking confused when Danielle showed up again in their room.
“ I forgot to were my shoes.” Danielle answered whiletaking off her slipper and putting on her rubber shoes that she usually wear inher day off.
“ Should I bring your shoes tomorrow as well?” Stellaasked when she saw that Danielle didn't bring anything with her aside her pursewhere her working ID, School ID, wallet and cell phone were in.
“ Yes, please!” Danielle replied and went back to hercousin.
Upon reaching the doorway, Danielle opened the doorand went outside the house with her cousin. They took a bus in going back totheir province and Danielle felt nostalgic as she looked at the familiar placesaround her.
“ Danielle, If Nanang ask you why you came, don't tellher that I came to pick you up. She doesn't want me to tell you her condition.She has high blood pressure and that she needed continuous medication becauseshe's already old and it's risky especiallyif she's all alone in the house.”
Jenny and Danielle were sitting next to each otherinside the bus.
“ Okay. Don't worry about the hospital bill. I'll takecate of it.” Danielle said ina sad tone of voice.
When the bus stopped at the Provincial Hospital,Danielle and Jenny stepped out of the bus with their things. The market is justat the side so they decided to go there first to buy some fruits and herGrandmother's favourite which isGinataan. Jenny was surprised to see that Danielle had a lot of money on herwallet. She was intrigued.
“ Danielle, where did you get all that money?” Jennyblurted.
“ Well, I had a part time job back in the city. I'm aservice crew at Greenwich. I didn't tell Nanang about it and that's the reasonI come home here often only.” Danielle answered.
“ Wow! You're working there. That's cool!” Jenny wasfascinated by her answer.
They began walking towards the hospital. Jenny helpedin carrying the things they bought from the market. As they entered theentrance gate of the hospital, they were silent for a brief moment. Jenny leadthe way when they entered the hospital building.
As expected, there were many patients inside thehospital and it was a busy day in the hospital. The nurses and doctors come andgoes. Danielle observed that she used to say to her father that she will becomea nurse when she grows up but her ambition was altered into becoming a teacherin the near future. It's the only option left for her to reach her real goal inlife.
When they were walking towards a ward made for elders,Danielle came back to her senses and shook her head side to side.
“ We're here!” Jenny said to her.
They opened the door and immediately, they saw theirgrandmother at the first row of bed. They approached her and there was thenurse and Doctor checking their grandmother's condition.
“ Excuse me, Doctor, how’s my grandmother? Danielle asked immediately to them.
The Doctor looked back and saw her. “ Your grandmotheris stable now. She can be discharge now. Go to the nurse’s station later tosettle her discharge papers and go to the billing section to pay her hospitalbill along with her medicine. “
“ Thank you, Doctor!” Danielle and Jenny said inchorus.
Looking back at the restroom, Anthony couldn't stand the feeling of urge to see his wife. She has been gone for too long.“ Manilyn, can you please go to the restroom to check on Danielle. She's been there for a long time already. If I'm not mistaken, it's almost 40 minutes. “ Anthony approached Manilyn in a secret manner and whispered her something.Manilyn nodded and walked normally into the restroom. She opened all the toilet rooms but she failed to see Danielle. Her heart began to beat fast when she saw a diamond earring which was Danielle's.“ Oh my God!” She blurted in horror. She ran back to Anthony and whispered what she found out.Seeing his furious face, everyone backed out. Anthony took the microphone.“ Everyone, thank you for coming and joining us in celebrating the baptism of my children. But I’m sorry to tell all of you that I need to end this event now because something urgent came up!” Anthony stood in the crowd with a proud face
Anthony reached out his hand to her face. “ I love you more!” Then he kissed her back.Although Josh and Johnson had their presence in the hotel, Danielle focused on her husband. She felt sorry for them but she cares more about her husband. The love she had for her husband was much stronger than what she felt for them. The night seemed so long. When they finished eating, they went out of the hotel and went for a walk in a nearby garden park.They walked hand in hand while their bodyguards were just following them wherever they go. It's for Danielle's safety.“ Honey, it's been a long time and we haven't talked about the twins baptism. Although they are legitimate and registered with your name, it's important for them to be recognized too in God's presence. Don't you think so too?” Danielle leaned her head on his broad shoulder.“ You’re right, my love. How about next week? I'll arrange everything
Meanwhile, Johnson and Josh were not feeling comfortable. They were both worried about Danielle's safety. They both knew that the culprit is not yet found and captured. They were afraid that the culprit or the mastermind of her misfortune might chase her again.Josh was at a photoshoot for his next upcoming single but it can be seen in his facial expression that he was not at ease. He called Johnson whom Danielle referred to as her personal friend and doctor.“ Hi! Is this Doctor Johnson?” Josh asked when a man's voice answered his call.“ Yes! May I know who is calling?” Johnson asked deliberately.“ I'm Josh De Dios. I was wondering if I could have a private talk with you about Danielle. Can we meet at six in the evening at Marbles Hotel? It's really important. “ Josh was straight forward.“ Sure! I'll be there since I'm near the area. See you then , Mister De Dios.” Johnson announced before he end up the call.Who is Josh De Dios to
At dinner time, Anthony with his family was having a hearty meal. The twins were so happy to see their father smiling with no pretence.“ Mama, I want the fried fish. “ Nympha wanted to have Danielle's attention.“ Sure, my angel!” Danielle grabbed and sliced a piece of fish meat and placed it on Nympha’s plate.“ Mama, can I have the chicken curry?” Daniel smiled and pointed at the dish near her mother.Obediently, Danielle grabbed a piece of chicken and placed it on her son's plate.Marilyn was just smiling and enjoying her meal at the same time. She just let Danielle do what she wants with the children. After all, they have a lot of catch up to do.On the other hand, Anthony displayed an annoyed face when the twins tried to get Danielle's attention all the time. He peeled some shrimp and placed on Danielle's plate. Danielle would pick the shrimp and put it on her mouth, chewed it and swallowed it leisurely. She was not fond of seafood but
Inside the mansion, Danielle was holding both her children in her hands while Anthony was standing next to her. Everyone in the mansion rejoiced when they saw Danielle came back especially Marilyn.“ Aunt Marilyn, look! Mama’s home!” Daniel shouted happily.Delighted to see her dearest friend, Marilyn smiled and had a teary eyes.Danielle went to her and gave her a warm hug. “ How have you been my dear friend?”“ You, silly girl! I missed you!” Marilyn cried as she embraced her back.“ I missed you too!” Danielle patted Marilyn’s back.When their bodies parted, Anthony pulled Danielle closer to him. Danielle was a bit shocked.“ That's enough!” Anthony aggressively looked at Danielle.“ Well... That was unexpected from you! Why so being too possessive? Did something happened along your way?” Marilyn was certainly teasing both of them.“ It's none of your business. Go back to your work and take the kids with you. “ Ant
Bewildered on what's going on, Josh went straight to them with a furrowed eyebrows. Confusion can be seen from his face.“ Danielle, what's happening here?” He innocently asked.Hearing a man's voice calling Danielle's name, Anthony guessed that he must have something to do with his wife. Anthony looked at Josh with pride and authority. “ Who are you?”Feeling the intensity between the two men, Danielle leaned to look at Josh.“ Josh, let me introduce you my husband. He is Anthony Gregor and these kids are my children. “ Danielle courageously said the truth.It was a shock at first to Josh but he still wanted to take away Danielle from them. It may sound selfish but Danielle was his happiness.“ Let me correct you, my love. These kids are our children. “ Anthony's voice was firm and had a hint of warning on how he looked at Josh. He held Danielle's hand firmly in his palm while the