Chapter 2 – Step Father

Cassandra

One Year Ago…

Mom and I ran together to the hospital because dad was reportedly among the patients brought in from a massive car accident on EDSA.

When we arrived, we were directed straight to the hospital morgue, so we already knew he was gone.

“Luis!” mom screamed, hugging dad’s lifeless body.

As for me, I almost collapsed to the floor out of sheer weakness. Some nurses and other people who were there crying helped steady me.

The entire morgue filled with the loud wailing of the families of the victims; there were probably around a dozen bodies inside.

I didn't even mind that my white uniform was stained with blood as I held onto dad’s head, which was barely recognizable.

Then the police arrived and gave a statement, “The drunk van driver has been caught, but…”

“But what?” asked one of the people present.

The police officer shook his head before speaking again, “However, he was able to post bail because it turns out he’s the congressman’s son.”

The grief instantly turned into rage. What chance did we stand against the child of a wealthy politician? Especially since we live in a country where the rich always beat the poor when it comes to justice.

“So what? Are you just going to let him go? What about us who lost someone?” I cried out, weeping.

I was in my final year of Physical Therapy, and I knew for sure there was a high possibility I would have to stop studying since dad was the only one working in our family.

Before the police officer could answer, a lawyer arrived along with a few more police officers. There was even a bodyguard who, when I looked closely, wore a uniform bearing the congressman’s insignia.

“I am Attorney Julius Samonte, the lawyer for Carl Ledesma. We are deeply saddened by what happened, but Congressman Arthur Ledesma ensures that financial assistance will be given to everyone affected. Funeral expenses will be covered, and a cash benefit of 100,000 pesos will be given to each family. Carl is a minor, only 16 years old, so he cannot be criminally charged. He will be flown to America for medical treatment because the boy suffered trauma as well.”

Angry, I ran forward so the bodyguards and some policemen immediately blocked my way, but I refused to back down.

“100,000? Is that all my dad is worth? I lost a father, and others here lost a mother! A child! A husband! A sibling! And then you’re telling us that the demon who killed our loved ones was flown to America because he was traumatized? And us? What do you take us for? We’re going to carry this pain for the rest of our lives!” I shouted, trying to hold back my tears, but I failed and they poured continuously like a spring.

The lawyer nodded, then spoke again, “I understand, but as I said, Congressman’s family is not running away from any responsibility. You should even be thankful that you don’t have to worry about funeral costs. As for the 100,000 pesos, use it to start a business. It’s not a bad deal.”

I wanted to answer back, but he left along with the other policemen and bodyguards. I returned to mom’s side, who was still staring blankly.

Within a single day, all the bodies were buried together in a public cemetery, and the money was handed over along with a paper agreement we were forced to sign stating that we would no longer complain or file a case.

There was nothing we could do because the signing felt coerced, and afterwards, the police let us go.

When we got home to our rented apartment, we were shocked to find our wealthy but greedy landlady, Madam Ruiz, waiting there.

“I heard Luis is dead, which simply means you won't be able to pay anymore. So you have one month to look for somewhere else to live.”

Mom seemed to snap—probably driven by the anger and grief of everything that had happened—and she pointed at Madam Ruiz, shouting, “You are so greedy! Not once did we ever fall behind on our rent! Even without Luis, I will work! You old money-grabber!”

Madam Ruiz didn’t back down because she was embarrassed in front of the other people, so she immediately grabbed her keys and said, “Greedy, you say?! Then get the hell out right now!”

I stopped mom to prevent a physical fight that could get her arrested; Madam Ruiz had a policeman husband, so she acted arrogant—as if she owned the law.

We stayed in a cheap motel while we searched for a new apartment to live in.

The 100,000 pesos quickly ran out, so both of us started looking for work. I paused my studies to become a cashier at a convenience store, while mom worked as a janitor at a restaurant.

Because the wages were so small, it wasn't enough for us. After working for almost seven months, we still had no savings, and it wasn't enough for daily expenses, so mom decided to go abroad to work as a domestic helper.

I didn't want to be left alone, but since it was the only way for me to return to school, I had no choice.

“My child, we’re just going to save up, just for one year. Once you finish nursing, I will come home.”

Those were the last words mom said before we parted ways. I was deeply worried because a full month had passed without a single call or text from her. She hadn't sent any money either, so I still couldn't continue my studies and had to keep grinding away at my cashier job.

I practically banged on the agency's doors just to find out if my mom was still alive. They kept telling me she was fine, but I didn't believe them.

After three months passed, mom suddenly came home. She was dressed nicely and looked well-off, but what shocked me was that she was accompanied by an old man in a wheelchair who looked very frail.

“Child, I’m sorry I couldn't even call you. My previous employer abused me—they hurt me and wouldn't let me eat. Fortunately, I was rescued, but I couldn't go back for my things, not even my cellphone, so I couldn't call. By the way, this is Don George Elizalde. He took me in... and he is also my fiancé. He is going to be your step father.”