Chapter 9

Rebekah's P.O.V

My heartbeat is beating fast. I hardly compose myself because of the irritation while waiting for Jessica to speak.

I tilted my head and said, "We do not have forever, care to say that something you mentioned in the text while the food is not here yet?"

She looked up, stared at me for a couple of seconds, and said, "I am sorry for what I did to you in the past. I did those horrible things because my father urgently ordered me to finish his business and did not give me enough time to say goodbye. I did not follow his instructions because of you, but he threatened and forced me then get my things. I just managed to contact you to end our relationship just for your safety. I am not forcing you to believe me, but that is the truth.

I am here now, and this is only temporary. My father ordered me to bring you to our family resort in Palawan because he has a mission for you. Please, do not ask me what it is because I do not know either. We will be leaving this Friday, at 5 in the morning. He clearly instructed that disobeying him is out of option. There are consequences that we will be facing in the future."

I just stared at her for a couple of seconds then lowered my eyes while processing all the information I heard. She waits for me to respond while looking at the surroundings. Jessica then said, "Is that the girl you had dinner with last night?"

I look in the direction where she is looking, and indeed, it is Cassy with her friends walking and giving pamphlets to people in the street. She looks stunning with her attire, and her smile is contagious. She smiles while talking and explaining to the people about the pamphlets with her friends.

"Rebekah? Is she your girlfriend?" I quickly looked back at Jessica and replied, "No. She is not. We are just friends. Why?"

"Nothing, I am just curious, and the way you look at her is like the way you looked at me when we were together." I raised an eyebrow at her and shrugged. I do not want to entertain her comment.

"About me going to Palawan with you, is it temporary or permanently? I cannot go on short notice. I need to process everything because I have an obligation here to fulfill. You know, being an employee of the prestigious school, I have to follow some rules."

"Wait, I'll call fa---

"Excuse me, ma'am, I am sorry for interrupting, but here are your orders." The waitress said while putting all the food on our table.

"Thank you," I said to them.

Jessica went outside of the cafe to call his father while me, thinking about absconding from this situation and creating a plan to solve the problem. I suspect that this conversation connects to the threat that Cassy and her family are facing now. I have no proof yet, but it was my intuition, Jessica's father is the one who sent the letter. Well, overthinking cannot solve this. I will find the truth and help Cassy.

Jessica back from calling his father, and she said, "Father told me no need to settle something because after you and him talking, he will send someone to accompany you back here. You will be staying there for the weekend."

"Okay, but I will still file a leave for me not to get a memorandum for being absent in just a day."

"Whatever you need to do, do it. As long as we will follow my father's order for everyone's sake."

I just rolled my eyes and started eating my breakfast. In fairness, the food is delicious-this is better for a bracer from stress.

We ate silently and savored the food while me, thinking about Cassy. She is always in my head for a while now.

"Rebekah? Earth to Rebekah, hello?" Jessica snaps me out of my thoughts, and I look at her dumbfounded.

"I am talking to you, woman. Listen to me, please?" Jessica said with a playful smirk on her face.

"I am sorry. What did you say?"

"Are you busy tonight? Would you like me to bring you somewhere and catch up? After breakfast, my father and I will visit his friend, and he wants me to go with him."

"Yes, my friends and I would like to do this unfinished work assigned by our department head. I suggested finishing the work in my house. In connection with that, I will be having a general cleaning in my house after our meeting. I am sorry." I said, declining her invitation.

"Oh, okay. No problem."

After that, we continue eating in silence and go our separate ways.

I go to Gaisano Mall to buy groceries and paraphernalia for cleaning. I then start cleaning from my bedroom, living room, kitchen, front yard to the backyard. I cleaned it all even though my house is not that dirty still. I want to impress Cassy.

I cannot lie, even just for tonight, I am ecstatic to have Cassy in my house and cook for her.

I finished preparing for everything, and at around 8 pm, I hopped into my car and started driving to Recy's house. According to google maps, her house is a 45-minute drive with traffic from mine. I do not know why they chose to meet up there though Cassy's house is nearer. Well, it is okay as long as it is safe.

Cassy's P.O.V

Why do I feel so nervous and excited?

"Hey, girl!" Recy shouted, startled me.

"Why did you do that?" I asked irritated

"Do what?" She answered innocently as if nothing.

This girl will be the death of me. I will get back to you, idiot!

"By the way, Recy, are we finished with our assignment, and are you ready to go? Because any minute now, Ms. Hanes will be coming, and it is embarrassing to let her wait longer."

"Yes, boss, I am ready, and the assignment is, done earlier. in the afternoon before you arrived." She replied sarcastically and grinned.

"Okay, thank you. You're a lifesaver." I said and smiled back at her.

"My only request is, in exchange for the assignment, you have to give time to come back here next week Sunday for our karate class. My coach and his colleagues will be here to teach us, and do not forget to bring your siblings."

I hugged her and said, "thank you very much. We will be here on Sunday."

"Is it okay for you to go with me to my house tomorrow afternoon after the meeting with Ms. Hanes?" I asked Recy after minutes of silence while waiting for Ms. Hanes.

"For what reason?" She asked curiously

"I want you to meet my family for them to know and trust you. I believe that we will be hanging out for a little longer, and you are my close friend now, so why not?"

She stares at me and grins. She did not talk back. Is this the end of the world now? It's a miracle!

The doorbell chimed through the house, intercepting us, and it brought an inner leap of joy as if my child self had found a toy gift from my father abroad. In reality, it is Ms. Hanes who just arrived, and it brought an ecstatic feeling and a smile to my face.

Recy gave me a playful look, hinted that I could open the door.

I obliged and walked fast towards the door.

There she is, Miss Rebekah Hanes my crush and maybe the love of my life.

"Ah, Ms. Hanes, please come in first and have a sit."

"Thank you." There is her angelic voice.

I opened the door widely and let her in. She walks to the cushion while observing the place.

"Where are your parents Recy, are they here?"

"No, ma'am, they are on a business trip. I always live here alone. I have a stay-out maid to clean the house, but I prefer to do the other household chores except for general cleaning. My parents told me to be responsible starting from doing the household chores." Recy replied while walking down the stairs from her bedroom, maybe getting her things.

"You are a good wife someday, Recy. Your future husband is lucky to be your wife."

"Nah, I prefer a "wife" ma'am. But I wonder if Cassy thinks the same way, she's my crush, and she knows that. Very lucky of me, she does not have a crush on me."

All eyes are on me now, very good Recy. I will get you back for this. I glared at my friend and rolled my eyes. I then turned my back on them and gathered my things for us to depart already.