FATE'S SECOND CHANCE

CHAPTER 1 YELENA. “Just sign the papers.” These were the only words he repeated from the moment he arrived back at the house with his lawyer. I took a deep breath, staring at the piece of paper, wondering how exactly it all came to this. My gaze then moved up to stare at him, to look into his eyes and see what exactly he was feeling at that moment. “Are you deaf ?” He screamed again, “Just sign the goddamn papers Yelena.” He was impatient, truth was, he always had been. But today was different, it was almost like he just couldn't wait to be rid of me, and it genuinely made me wonder. “Couldn't there have been another way, Michael?” I asked while my fingers traced around the divorce papers, my signature a hint of defeat. “Nah, there was no other way, Yelena. This isn't working, and I don't even want it to. I'm sick of your ass in my life, and right now, I just want you to be out of it.” I shook my head to the side, trying my best to hide how much his words hurt me as I handed the papers back to his lawyer, Mr. Tony. “You can keep the bloody house, just as long as I don't have to see your face in my life again.” He mockingly teased as he made his way to the door. I watched him walk towards the door, alongside his lawyer. And just before he turned the knob open, the question in my mind blurted itself out, “And what about Phoebe?” He paused in his steps and finally turned to me with a look of disgust on his face, “And what about her?” My head went down, the next words caught in my throat. He scoffed loudly as he continued to walk out. His voice then spoke from outside, “She's not even mine, so deal with it.” And with that, I watched them both zoom off, leaving me alone as I sat in the kitchen, staring out the window. I sat there for about an hour till, suddenly, a familiar roaring sound grew closer to the house. I recognized that sound everywhere. It was Rose'. Her car came to a halt just in front of the house, and I watched as she and my little Phoebe jumped out the car with smiles and giggles on their faces, a cold contrast to what I felt. “Hey there beautiful.” Rose' voice cut in as she walked into the house with Phoebe trailing beside her. Phoebe, the ever impatient one rushed to my side screaming, “Mommy!” I grabbed her in my arms and lifted her high with a forced smile, “How's my baby girl doing?” She reached for her bag and pulled out a piece of snack, “Aunt Rose got this for me.” “Oh did she?” “Yes, and I'd like to show it to Daddy too.” She screamed happily. I froze, my eyes meeting Rose' who understood it all. I smiled regardless and turned to Phoebe, “You will baby. Go take off your uniform and freshen up, okay?” “Okay mommy.” And with that, she ran towards her room, as fast as her little legs could carry her. “He's finally gone, uh?” Rose’ inquired, staring around the house as if searching for him. I scoffed, “Yeah, he's gone… for good.” “Perhaps it's for the best, don't you think?” I nodded, not paying too much attention to what she was saying. Just then, my phone suddenly vibrated against the kitchen counter, drawing both our attentions to it. I picked it up and saw it was a notification from i********:. Curious, I clicked on it, and then imagine my surprise when I saw a story of Michael on a ride with another woman. I hated to admit it, but it hurt me to see him move on so easily. Rose took the phone from me, and dropped it back on the counter, “Don't let him get to you love. You deserve better.” I scoffed loudly, a part of me not believing that comment of hers. “Sorry, but it really doesn't feel like I do. I was married to that man for over six damn years Rose. I did nothing but respect and love him, even the times that he—” “Sh, it's okay.” Rose cut me off abruptly, aware of the next words that would come out of my mouth. “It's all good though, he was the worst of scum anyway.” I snorted, pulling my phone closer to check why it had just vibrated again. This time it was a text message from my boss, telling me I needed to be back at the office quickly. “I got to go.” I announced, jumping to my feet. Rose' wore a confused look, “To where?” “The boss just texted, probably something important at work. Would you mind watching over Phoebe till I'm back?” Rose' gave a deep sigh, knowing she had no choice, “Of course, I will.” “Thank you, I'll be back soon, and tell Phoebe I'll grab her those cookies she likes on my way back.” I said and grabbed my keys as I quickly made my way out of the house and towards my car. I jumped in as fast as I could, and put in the key, causing the engine to come to life with a roar, and soon enough I was already on my way. I had hoped whatever it was the boss needed me for would serve as a distraction from the events of the last couple of weeks, and most especially today. The car was unusually silent, and silence often made me think. So I did what I always did and turned on the radio to my favorite channel. Ed Sheeran's Shape of you was playing, my favorite. And as I sang along, my body moved with the rhythm till I eventually arrived at my office— a law firm. I made my way quickly towards the building when I noticed Mr. Reggie talking to a woman just outside the building. “Hey boss, sorry if I'm late. There was traffic.” I lied. “You're not late, Yelena. And you're right on time.” He casually responded and gestured with his hand for the woman to take her leave. “Walk with me Yelena.” He said, turning around to walk into the office. It was quiet, there was no other person around, just us both as we walked in. “You know, you've been my most trusted worker ever since I opened this firm. I certainly can never replace an account such as diligent as yourself.” He began. At that moment as he spoke, I wasn't trying to be negative, but a part of me felt like I knew where this was going. “So, um, I guess where I'm driving at is that I've sold the building and dissolved the firm. And I know you've been busy with personal matters, but I believed it was best if I tell you this in person. As of now, you are relieved of your duties as my accountant.” “What? Sir, please… this job is all I have.” My voice cracked as I pleaded with Mr. Reggie. “I'm sorry Yelena, I really am.” He finally said as he took his leave back towards his car, where the woman from before stood, and just like with Michael, I watched him zoom off as well. “Why me?” I muttered to myself as I stood alone. The sun was beginning to set, and I had to head back home soon. I dragged my feet across the ground as I sat back in my car, my hands tightly gripping the steering as my mind wandered. I then slumped forward, placing my head against the steering wheel as the reality of it all came crashing into my mind. My breath soon grew heavier, I'd lost my marriage, and now my job. Where did I go wrong? Then finally, I snapped and began to cry. I clenched my fists in frustration and began slamming it against the steering wheel in hopes of letting out some of my anger. My head soon joined, as I began to bang it against the wheel as well. The tears poured down my face while my head throbbed. I screamed at the top of my voice, thankfully it was muffled by the car. “Why always me?” I cried. Finally, I grew tired, my head felt like it had just been hit with a mallet, and as my cries finally calmed down, I was left in silence once again. I picked up my phone and texted Rose; “I might be a bit late, something came up. <3” the text read as I hit the send button and tossed the phone to the other chair. I needed to get away, I needed something to drown myself in, and that's when the idea hit me. I started the car and drove to a place I hadn't visited in years— a bar. I parked in the lot and stared at the bright colorful sign which read ‘Luigi’s’. What a funny name, I thought to myself as I made my way into the bar. It was a rowdy place, with lots of grumbles and noise. The smell of alcohol was the first thing that welcomed me as I stepped in. I nearly held my breath till I remembered that was exactly what it was supposed to smell like, at least I think so. The bartender noticed me walking in and gestured for me to come over to the counter where I had my seat. “Hello there pretty lady, I haven't seen you around here before. What's the name?” I took a brief moment to observe him. He was tall, and looked like he was in his late forties. His hands were hairy, one ick already for me, but I'm not sure if that pissed me off as much as the toothpick in his mouth. “Yeah, this is my first time here.” I nervously replied, reaching for my purse. “Of course, I never forget a face. So what would you like to help yourself to?” His loud voice asked. “You got Bourbon?” He laughed hysterically, “We got it all, I'll be right back.” he then turned to leave for a room behind. I sat there watching the people around, so many of them were drunk men. Weird to say, but I always grew up believing that most men who spent a lot of time in the bar were from broken homes, and with my divorce, perhaps I wasn't so different from them anymore. He pushed a cup towards me, and poured in the bourbon. And once done, he tossed it to me professionally, like the ones you see in cowboy movies. I gulped it down, feeling the familiar yet long feeling of it burning my throat. It was a satisfying feeling as I dropped the cup, “One more shot.” He grinned and poured it, and this went on for the next three shots as I ordered again, “One more.” And that's when a voice came from behind me, “Make those two my good man.” The voice asked. I turned around, curious at the familiar voice. And that's when our eyes met. I couldn't believe it. Those beautiful brown eyes stared right back at me, his black hair seemed different than I remembered it to be, but it was good to see he still had that rugged, intoxicating smile. But the most important question is, what was he doing here?