Change of Heart

Chapter One

Georgina's POV

As the saying goes, when you were young, thunderstorms seem scary. Like the sky is angry at you. But now that you are older, something about its roar soothes you. It’s comforting to know that even nature needs to scream sometimes.

I stared at the angry sky from my bedroom glass wall and I felt tears fell from my swollen eyes again. Today is my mother's seventh year death anniversary. The memories are still fresh in my mind like it only happened yesterday. I still can remember how she begged for her life.

Seven years ago, my father and I were waiting in his office for the latest update from the authorities. My mother went missing, and it has been three days since the incident. A USB stick were delivered to us while waiting. My father checked the content and when the file was opened, the most horrible thing I ever saw in my life was there.

I felt like dying that day watching my mom's beaten body begging for help. I saw her swollen eyes, bleeding lips, black eyed and limping body. As the video plays, the kidnapper’s voice said he didn't ask for any money. They just wanted to make my Dad pay for his debt whatever it is I didn't know. The kidnapper wanted a revenge. There was another woman as my mom's age having the same situation. That day, I saw how my Mom was being shot on her head and died.

I fainted that day and woke up after a week and I haven't seen my mom's burial and everything. I haven't said goodbye to her. I haven't hug her with me. I was eighteen then. When I lost her, I also lost my father. And I lost everything even myself.

I hugged the teddy she gave me when I was seven years old and silently weep. I miss you so much Mom. I wish you were here with me.

When I lost my Mom, my father spent his time alone in his office and drunk himself out. He ignored me and gave all his time with work and alcohol. He always went to a business trip and abandoned me as if I didn't exist. I felt bad for him. But what will I do, I was young and have a lot of insecurities and doubt? I wanted to console my father but so afraid of his rejection. I tried my best on the first few months, but I failed.

I throw all my loneliness and frustrations in alcohol at the young age. Gone is the sweet and obedient girl I was before. But it seems, he still doesn't mind. I waited for him every day, but he didn't come home, and I got tired waiting for him to hug me, comfort me and tell me everything will be alright. Since then I did everything I want. I went clubbing and drinking my ass out. But Dad still didn't mind about me.

Alcohol became my best friend since then. But one night changed everything. I met an accident that almost caused my life. Because of that, I woke up and realized that I still need to move forward in life. I feared my life since then and stopped the bad habit I had. My Mom will be upset seeing me like that and I don't want to disappoint her anymore from up above.

I studied college abroad and finished Business Administration hoping my Dad will accept me and give me a position in our company. After I finished college, I got a job as an intern in one of the most successful company and worked closely to the most influential businessman in California. Mr. Jones is like a father to me. I worked for him for two years. But this morning, I told him my plan and he agreed but with a heavy heart.

I decided to go home. I missed London and I missed my father even though we didn't speak with each other since my Mom died. His secretary, Helen, was the one who negotiated and gave me everything I need for my education when I moved to California almost seven years ago.

Wherever I go, the memories of the past will haunt me. I will never forget what happened in my life since my mother’s gone. The memories were imprinted in my mind.

When my tears went dry, I stood up and went inside my closet and looked for my pj's to wear after shower. My eyes caught the left side of my closet. I smiled a little seeing one dozen black leather jackets hanged neatly on the side. The jackets were all the same with an initial at the lower side with ZMA.

I packed all the jackets and brought them here in California with me because those jackets have a huge part of my life. I know in my heart that someone cared for me during the weakest point of my life. Those jackets were securely wrapped around my body every time I woke up from a nightmare. The smell became a drug to me and the familiar smell of them reminds me to smile after the storm. The smell faded away, but it was lingered and became a tattoo on my senses.

I know deep in my heart that only one person owned those jackets. The one who helped me when I needed my father the most. I wanted to find the person, but I decided to wait for a sign and the sign I waited for so long didn't came so I decided to just keep them as a treasure. Someday I will find the person and I will thank him and be forever grateful.

I admit I was a drunkard before, and I went to prison a million times. I did the cruelest things before, but I changed. I changed into a better person. I know how to control my feelings now. I slowly but surely accepted everything. I studied and worked hard, my mother as my inspiration.

I only have one wish; I wish my father comes back just like before. We only have each other and I really missed my Dad. My eyes became watery again, and I blinked back the tears. I'm coming home Dad...

Zeus Miguel's POV

"Sir, Ms. Valdez arrived at Heathrow Airport half an hour ago and she is now resting inside her old condo." Brandon reported and put the pictures on my desk. I told him to let the security followed her every moves and report everything to me. I thanked Brandon and dismissed him after his report.

I scanned the pictures and my heartbeat quickens. She changed a lot since I last saw her at her hospital bed fighting for her life.

Her hair grew longer and shinier. Her pale skin became radiant and her flawless skin gave her a unique aura that enlighten every darkest place. She looks very beautiful and all you can do is stare at her beautiful face. She looks like a Goddess and her body can give no justice from those skinny models with a straight body. Hers have the curves in their right places. She has the confidence and a refreshing aura you can't resists.

My phone rang and I am a hundred percent sure that the caller is my father. He’s fast.

"Now is the time, son!" My father said without greeting me. I closed my eyes and cleared my throat. This is for my mother. "Yes dad. I'll do it soon." I answered and ended the call.

I need to do this. This is for my mother. This is for justice and peace of mind. Seven years is too long. It’s about time.

…………………………………………………..

After my lunch meeting outside, I decided to walk on my way back to the office. I stopped outside the café and decided to buy some coffee.

Upon entering the cold café, I felt this familiar feeling which alert my senses. I looked around the café and saw a normal day with people enjoying their coffee and conversations. When I turned at the counter, there was a girl wearing a beautiful casual dress with her back on me talking animatedly at the girl on the cash register.

“Yeah, six years.” I heard her melodic voice. “I missed London so much.” She added. Her voice reminds me of someone. My suspicion was true when she turned around after thanking the lady. I stood frozen seeing her closely. She looks like an angel. Her skin was pinkish white I almost blinded by the sight. Her smile almost made me swoon. Nothing puts a smile on my face like the way she did. She went across the table and waited for her order.

I came back to the present when a lady asked me if I am on the queue. I nodded absentmindedly and went to the counter to order. I checked her from time to time waiting for my coffee.

I decided to stay and sat on the further vacant table observing her every move. She’s reading a book seriously and I found myself smiling. She put her fingers on her lips a habit that never gets old. Damn! She looks so different but the reaction I had when she was around is the same. It just ignited more and more each day.

Before leaving the café, I told the lady in the counter to give the note to her. “She’s beautiful right?” the lady asked teasingly at me. “Yeah.” I cleared my throat and nodded. I glanced at her before leaving the café. Soon, Georgina.