Her Sweet Vengeance

Chapter 3 (Legal)

HAVAIANAS MIRACLE LEEVEN

I was shocked when Sir Arthur spilled the beans. What? I own 25 percent of the company's share of stocks? That's a big amount of money. And it's quite shocking.

"You see, my mother really adores you. But I know that my wife and daughter really dotes for that share. My wife wants all the shares of the company to be inherited by our daughter, Maxine. At first, I admit that I have hated you too. I can't get the reason why my mother gave you a big share but now I know why. And here I am, a man that hated an innocent soul. If I could just turn back time but I know I can't. What can I do now is to make things right," He exhaled loudly. And looked out of the window. He stood there for at least 2 or 3 minutes and then went back to my side again. He sat on the mono block chair and he held my hand.

"I'm going to ask for a big favor Miracle. I know this is not right. That, that share must be yours but can you..." He seemed to have a hard time finishing his sentence.

"Can you please sign the legal papers months from now? I mean you'll turn 18 already and just the right time to gain those rights. And I plan to make you sign a legal paper stating that you'll return all the shares to me. I know it will be hard on your part but that's the only way I think you'll be safe from my wife's anger. I don't want to see you suffering. I can't say no to my wife either. Now, I am like a man that's been grind between two mountains."

His eyes and voice were pleading. I can say no and continue to ask for my share however, I know that that money is not mine. It belongs to Sir Arthur and his family.

"I'd gladly give it back to you Sir. It's not mine anyway and I don't think I am the rightful owner of that shares. It belongs to you and your family. You worked hard for that so that the company will bloom, grow and rise to where it is now. Hence, it will be right to sign the legal papers and get this matter over with."

What really shocked me again was... He hugged me so tight like a father so proud of his child. My tears began to form on the corners of my eyes. I hugged him back. It's such a great feeling. I closed my eyes to savor the moment.

"Thank you. Thank you so much Miracle. You sure are a miracle just like what my mom told me. I hope you'll find your real family soonest," He said as he go back to his seat.

"Thank you too Sir for hoping that. I will just go with the flow and let the magical hands of destiny do it's part in reuniting me with my parents. I know that it's been a long time already. However, I still dream for that day to come."

I am still hopeful. I still wish for that day to happen and I always include that in my daily prayers.

"Your birthday will be in three months time and that will be your summer vacation too in school. Do you wish for something? I mean I can surely give that to you in exchange for the shares that you'll return." I know he's just being kind here and that he meant no offense but I must decline the offer.

"No thank you kind Sir. I know it will be the day that I'll leave your house. I do not want to owe you something again. I have lived all my life paying for everything that made me alive. My food, all the chances of going to school . I basically paid for them everyday. Every time I do a house work for your family. Or the chance of making me still alive because your late mother saved me from the chaos that broke on that park years ago were all paid by every beating I received from your daughter and wife. You owe me something Sir. Your daughter and wife to be specific. They still owe me for every pain I suffered for years."

He bowed his head low. I know he is ashamed of his wife's evil doings but he shouldn't.

"Ok. Just stay here in the hospital for two to three weeks before you go home. That will be enough time so that your cuts will heal. However, you need to stay in your room for weeks too and you would not do any house work so that your bones will heal and you will be alright again." The knocking sound made us look towards the door.

The door creaked lightly and soon, I saw the doctor coming inside the room. He look so stern. Well, most doctors are, or so I thought. Every time he walks, it creates a sound. He stood beside my bed and Sir Arthur moved out of the way to give way to the doctor who runs some checking on me.

He first took something like a small flashlight and swiped it right and left in front of my eyes. He took my blood pressure and asked me questions such as, 'How do you feel right now?'. 'Does this or that hurt?', that I answer every time.

"Good to see you recovering fast. What a fighter! Good news, she can stay for just two to three weeks in the hospital depending on her condition on the next days to come. She's still under observation anyway. She needs to be much more careful because every time she moves, this broken bones will be moved too.

So I suggest you to stay in your bed for weeks. It will usually take time to heal a broken bone. Mostly years depending on what bone did break. But for you, your broken rib will heal faster than the rest of your broken bones. Be just more cautious about movements okay?

You need to visit the hospital weekly for your check ups. And continue to take the medicines." The doctor said his formal goodbye before leaving the room.

I was silent for a long time. So, I really broke several bones in my body. I just pray that they will heal soon. I still need to work just after my debut. Sir Arthur bade his goodbye. I know it's night time again and his family needs him.

After spending a peaceful three whole weeks in the hospital, I am back again. How did I say peaceful? Well, thankfully the Madame and her daughter never visited me. And for me that would be counted as a blessing.

As I stepped on the front porch, I felt uneasy. The house does not feel like what it used to. Tsk! I'm just thinking so much because of being alone for so long. I entered the front door. The door is made up of narra wood; a type of hard wood. It's painted with a natural colored varnish and the designs on the surface were intricate. I took a hold of the knob and twisted it lightly.

If you are asking where is Sir Arthur, well, he's still at the automobile gathering my things that I used from the hospital. He said that I am not allowed to carry such things not until I am fully healed. The living room or rather, the whole house was silent. It felt eerie, well at least to me.

"Why are you still there Miracle?" Sir Arthur asked as he entered. He's carrying 3 bags.

"Ah... I'm just wondering why the house is so silent. Where is the Madame and Maxine?" I asked curiously.

"Oh them! Remember it's Monday today and Maxine needs to be at school while your Madame Alison, as usual. I think she is going out with her friends or go shopping." I nodded as he explained. That's why the house is peaceful.

Slowly, I ascended on the stairs going to my room. Every step is made with so much care. I am afraid that my broken bones will move and I know that searing pain will assault my system if that happens. Thankfully, I reached my room unscathed. I opened the door wider so Sir Arthur can enter inside. He put all the bags on the floor next to the cabinet.

"I'll just leave you here. I need to do some work at the office. Do not come outside. Lock your door so that Maxine and your Madame Alison cannot enter. I have the key here to make sure that you will be fine while I am away. I will give you your weeks supply of food here don't worry about you starving. And here..." He handed me a white bottle and another light pink one.

"You need to take that capsules once a day. That white one is medicine for your fast healing and that light pink is some vitamins. Don't forget about that."

I was touched how he treats me. For the first time in my three years living under the same roof with this family, I feel cared.

"Thank you so much Sir Arthur. Thank you for caring about me. I will remember this kindness in my whole life," I sincerely spoke. From the bottom of my heart, I know that it was the most sincere thank you that I have said in my entire 17 years of existence. He smiled.

"Don't thank me Miracle. I am just doing what is right. And this is right, caring for an innocent soul. I still cannot repay for your kindness to me and to my family. This is the least that I can do."

He bade goodbye and I locked the door of my room.

~

Three Months Later...

I was awoken by the continuous pounding at my room's door. I picked up my eye glasses and looked at the wall clock. It indicates 3:00 a.m. I reluctantly got up from my bed and opened the door.

I was surprised to see the Madame. She has both her hands on her hips. Her eyebrows raised like usual.

"Don't stare at me b***h! I know that I'm beautiful. Get up there and do not be so happy about leaving this house for free. To tell you honestly, I want to kick you out of here as soon as possible. Get that?" She inhaled deeply as she tries to catch her breath due to her fast speaking.

"Prepare yourself. Attorney Bilaveda will be here at 6:00 a.m. and you need to sign those legal papers so that you are free to leave this house," she spoke with the aura full of arrogance. I can't help but pity myself. It hurts knowing that even until this very last day, still no one wants me.

"I do not wish to stay here for a longer time Madame Alison. I will just prepare myself for the signing," I excused myself and closed the door of my room. I know it is impolite to close the door while the Madame is still talking to me but I need to do that so that she will not see how painful this is for me.

Leaving this house is like wandering in a jungle full of fierce predators that can kill me in any minute. And I am a weak prey. I don't know what to do or where will I go after this. But I am so sure of my decision. I am going to leave this house no matter what.

I continued to walk towards the direction of my cabinet and picked a decent clothing. I need to go to the shower first. After several minutes, I'm already done taking a bath. I fixed myself to look decent. I will be facing the family's lawyer. I inhaled deeply and took a step towards the door. This is it. I can be free after I sign those papers. I can leave the Carlin's for good.

After I reached the living room, I saw the Carlin family members are all complete and they all sat on the sofa seats. Like the usual, Madame Alison has this fancy clothing worn and of course, her daughter Maxine has the same. They have makeups and their nails are painted. Sir Arthur nodded as sign of acknowledging my presence. I just stood up the whole time. I can't have the heart to seat on the sofa when in fact the Madame glares at me like a lion on the forest protecting her territory.

About 30 minutes passed 8, the lawyer came. He has this brown colored suitcase on hand and he looks serious.

"Oh attorney!" Madame said with so much enthusiasm. The attorney just politely shook her hand and sat on the seat prepared for him. He took out several papers from the suitcase and placed it in the coffee table.

"Sir Carlin. Here are the pertinent papers needed for the legal transfer of shares to you." Sir Arthur acknowledged it by nodding his head lightly.

"So where is Miss Havaianas Miracle Leeven?" The attorney asked. She looked at everyone who's at the living room.

"She's here Attorney Bilaveda." The Madame pointed my direction. As his eyes landed upon me, I felt an unexplainable feeling towards him. He nodded and picked up the paper and he handed it to me.

"Miss Leeven, what we have here is a legal document of transferring of shares that you inherited from the late Madame Carla Antonia Madea-Carlin. The said 25 percent of the total shares of stocks of the whole Carlin Incorporated shall be returned to the legal heir, Arthur Carlin. Are you not forced to do this by any means like threats?" I was hesitant to answer however, the Madame's face shows that I will be a dead meat when I say no. So I slowly nodded my head as I keep on biting my lower lip. I keep my head bowed.

"Ok. So it seems that it was your freewill to return the shares. Here are the papers that you need to sign. Just put your signatures on the indicated spaces with your name on it." With a trembling hand, I reached for the papers that were held by the attorney.

I scanned the papers content and I made sure that it was the pertinent papers I'm going to sign. Convinced, I took the pen on the table and pulled it's cap off.

I started to scribble on the first page. Then to the next pages too. After 10 pages, I returned it to the attorney who patiently waited for me to be done. He smiled a bit as he took back the papers and put it back on the suitcase.

"Well, I am going ahead Sir and Ma'am. This shall be processed as soon as possible. I'll let you know if that happens. Have a good day." The whole family sent the attorney outside and I started to ascend on the stairs. Finally, I can be free. Away from pain and suffering. Away from the beasts that wants me hurting.

I took a look at my small bedroom. I sighed as memories rushed back like water in a great dam. My tears fell from my eyes but I wiped it hurriedly

I don't want to dwell on the sufferings I have had here in this house. I want to move on and start facing my life with positivity. I want to go on with my life with hope.

I took a big sling bag and started to pack my things that were on my table. All my books and other extra things. I'm going to college so I need to discard these heap of notebooks. I took my big suitcase and put all my clothes inside it. It took me two hours to finish everything. After all, I only have a small number of clothes in the cabinet. I guess I'll just sell this pairs of high school uniforms I have. They still look good anyway and I need a bit of cash.

I cleaned my room and places all my things in one corner. I exhaled loudly, feeling exhausted of what I did. I go to the kitchen to cook again for the whole family. This will be the last time I'll cook for them. While I was busy chopping vegetables, Miracle came inside. She have her arms crossed on her chest.

"Well, well, well! Seems like the little b***h will have a taste of freedom. Well, be happy about that but don't be so confident. For as long as I'm alive, you will never be happy. I will make your life miserable and I'll make sure of that. Always look at your back and remember my name always. Take care poor rat," she said while smirking at me and existed on the kitchen. I took a tighter grip on the kitchen knife that I am holding right now. I need to control my temper. I continued to do what I need to do.

The clock strikes exactly 12:00 noon, the perfect time to have lunch. Of course, the whole Carlin family entered the kitchen. I was about to leave when suddenly...

"Where are you going Miracle?" Sir Arthur asked me.

"I need to exit Sir. I'm not needed here anyway. Maybe you'll just loose your appetite when I still stay," I sincerely said.

"No. You sit down. Be my guest," he said that made me smile.

"I decline Sir. Thank you for your kindness, however, I do not wish to owe you and your family about this opportunity to share a meal with you. I'll go ahead." I bowed politely and started to march out from the kitchen. I went back to my room and started to look for my old wallet. I don't know where to go. But for sure, I can find some place to stay. Even just a small room to rent, after all, I don't have a big amount of money.

A knock made me came back to my senses from my trance. I looked at the door that slightly opened and Sir Arthur entered my room.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your peaceful alone time Miracle. But I just want to ask if you really need to leave the house now?" I can tell based on his looks that he is worried about me.

"Yes Sir Arthur. I need to. Don't worry, I can still find a place to sleep in tonight." He reached for something in his back pocket. And it made me confused. He reached for my hand and placed something. I looked up at him as I looked at that thing.

"Sir. You don't need to do this. I can't accept this." I tried to return the bundle of money to him but he refused to take it back. He just shook his head a little bit and seriously looked at me.

"Don't give it back to me Miracle. Don't worry, you won't owe me something because I gave you that. It's your birthday after all. That's my gift to you. Thank you so much for returning the shares to me. I hope this amount can help you in your college fees," he said and smiled then went out of the room.

I was still stunned. Processing what happened a few minutes ago. Sir Arthur gave me money. Not just a small amount but a whopping $200,000. I placed it in the bottom part of my bag and started to pick my luggages. I descended the stairs and upon reaching the living room, the whole Carlin family was there.

"Finally! The rat will leave the house. I can now peacefully sleep without thinking about the pest that roams my house." The Madame spoke and her tone is happy or was it thankful? She is smiling like an evil witch as she looked at me with eyes full of abhorrence. I feel so small but I need to pull myself together.

I just said my formal goodbye and walked out of the house. Away from that family who bullied me for 4 long years. I walked under the blazing heat of the sun. I must find a place to stay. I continued walking and I stopped on the bus stop going to the route to the nearest University. If I go to college, I need to stay close to that place. It's more convenient on my part and maybe I can find a job so that I can make money for a living.

~

I reached the town where the University was located. It was already dusk when I got off from the bus. I started to find some 24-hour open convenient store. Luckily there was one store and I ate my dinner there.

"Uhmm... Excuse me. Do you know some room for rent here?" I asked the lady in the counter.

"No. But there's an inn nearby. Just three blocks from here. You can stay there for the night."

I nodded and thanked her, I paid my bill and went out from the store and started walking again to the said address. I entered the small inn.

"Good evening. How may I help you?" Asked the lady in the front desk. She's wearing a white polo shirt and a black pencil cut skirt and have her hair tied in a neat bun.

"I want a room. Just a small one. Single bed."

"Would you like an air-conditioned room or not?"

"I'll just get a regular room." I paid for the bill for the night's stay. She smiled at me as she received the money.

"Here's your room number." She handed me a small card that indicates the room number and a key to the room. I started to go to the third floor where my room is situated. It was small. The paint of the room's wall is all white and there was a single bed in the corner. No windows or curtains and definitely no bathroom. I sighed as I placed my things on the side.

I went out of the room to take a half bath on the public comfort rooms in this floor. I was quick to finish the task. I lay on the bed and quietly stared at the ceiling. I don't know what will happen tomorrow. I don't know, what will I do next.

I sighed heavily and soon, I got up. I am going to take the entrance examination tomorrow and I want to pass. I reviewed my lessons for a bit. I am determined to admit myself to a prestigious university. Yes, I don't have money but I can always take some scholarships so that I can graduate college.

If I pass tomorrow, I will start to process my papers and find some job. I made a resume for my applications tomorrow.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name: Havaianas Miracle Leeven

Age: 18 years old

Birthdate: 10/15/01

Blood type: AB

Mother: Samantha Leeven

Occupation: -NA-

Father: Samuel Leeven

Occupation: -NA-

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Elementary: MS Elementary School

Highschool: m**m High School

I kept all my things inside my bag. I sat on the bed again and I prayed. I am wishing the best things to happen for tomorrow. As I lie on the bed, I let all my worries go away. I hugged the pillow tightly as I closed my eyes. I snuggled closer to the sheets as the night gets colder.

I did everything so that I can sleep. Even if my body is already tired still, my mind keeps me from falling asleep. I just continued to stare at the white walls absentmindedly. Random thoughts come and go until I felt my eyes become heavier.

I closed my eyes as I savored the feeling of comfort that was overwhelming my system. The darkness becomes more intense. My feelings soon fade out gradually until I fell to oblivion.