BETRAYED LOVE

CHAPTER THREE:A LONG NIGHT

Julie was shaking like a leaf in the wind. This looked like some sought of a dream. Oh, she wished it was. She burst into silent tears. "Today is a bad, bad day." She murmured. From catching her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend, to her getting under the influence of alcohol, thereby hitting a Rolls-Royce–The drop-tail, of all cars. Onlookers stood watching. Nobody had alighted from the car yet. Suddenly, the driver's door opened. A man came down. Oh, that's the owner. Everyone thought. As he observed the car, he noticed the bumper had some scratches and patches. "I am so sorry sir. I apologize. It's my fault. I didn't see you coming." Julie said crying. She checked out her car. A part of her bumper had pulled off. He didn't say a word to her. It was as if no one was there. He walked past her and entered the car back. Julie was amazed. Did he not see her? She went to the driver's side and tried to knock gently. "Hello, please can you come down. Let's talk about this." She knocks again. It took some time, then the backdoor opened. A huge handsome middle-aged man—a macho figure with black curly hair and smooth skin came down from the passenger seat. He just stood there. Woah, classy, Julie turned around to see onlookers muttering. People seemed to know who the man was, but she didn't. He went forward to inspect the car. As soon as he was done, he returned to his stand close to the backseat. Julie went to meet him. "Good evening sir. I'm sorry. I take accountability for the accident." "...Do you also take full responsibility?" He barely waited for Julie to finish. His voice was calm and deep, yet commanding. "I don't know how I'll pay for damages," She replied. The amount of selling her SUV as a whole may not even be able to clean the scratches. Her heart was racing. Young lady," His voice lived deep. "Have you got insurance? "Yes," She said timidly. "Well, you got your car covered. How are you going to clean up mine? Because even with your entire life savings I don't think you can clean this up." He said sternly. "I do have my car insurance intact. Nevertheless, people like you need to be used as a scapegoat to serve as a warning to others who think they can do as they please or break the law and go scot-free." Now Julie knew she was in for a long ride. "This is my complementary card. Come and see me tomorrow. I don't have time for this." He entered his car and it zoomed off. She was so tearful. She felt frustrated. "I just jumped from frying pan to fire". She entered her car. She couldn't take it to the mechanic's workshop. It was already late. She drove home. She pulled over at the garage and entered the house. It was past midnight. Her parents were watching a late-night movie and snacking on some popcorn and juice. Julie switched on the bulb and sat on the couch devastated. "What a night!" Her parents turned at her. "Baby girl, are you ok?" asked Mr Thompson "Say something dear, we weren't expecting you today. Did something happen? How is Bruce?" Mrs Thompson asked further. Julie still kept mute, staring into space. "Come on dearie, you're keeping us in suspense" She joined Julie on the couch to persuade her to speak. "Mom, Dad…Bruce is cheating on me with Angela." "Oh dear" Her mother exclaimed. "I knew there was something off about that boy. But why would Angela do such to you? I mean she is like a sister to you and a daughter to us." "She is a green snake under green grass, mummy." "That's not even the worst part. I went to the club to have some glasses to cool my head. So while driving, I was a little dizzy. I didn't see the vehicle oncoming, so I couldn't hold my brakes. I crashed into it." "Oh good gracious!" "Princess, are you ok?" They rushed over to where she was sitting and checked for any scratches on her body. "I'm ok… but not ok," Julie whined. "What is it darling?" Her mother queried. "My bumper ripped. That's still not all. The other car I hit was a Rolls Royce and it had some scratches." "Princess, you hit a Rolls Royce. Where are the cars now?" Her father inquired of her. "Mine is in the garage. I'll go fix it tomorrow. The owner of the Royce gave me his complimentary card. I will go meet him tomorrow." Julie responded. "While you're at that. Your father would take your car to the mechanic's." Her Mother informed her. "Thanks, Mum", She sighed exhaustively. "My baby has gone through a lot today." Mrs Thompson hugged her daughter. Julie embraced her so tightly. She needed it. She never anticipated her day to go that way. "Mummy?" She whispered, still clutching her mother. "Do you think I'm jinxed?" "Oh dear! Don't you ever utter such utterances. No child of mine is jinxed." Mrs Thompson encouraged. "Then why did all these happen to me today?" "Listen to me", Mr Thompson began and joined them on the couch. "Sometimes, we do have our good days, other times, our days may not go according to plan. That doesn't mean we should despise ourselves. If it is the latter, we should be able to manage ourselves even though we can not manage the situation." "That makes a lot of sense," Julie responded. "I'm glad it does. So cheer up. You are going to be fine." Mr Thompson grinned. "Thank you, Daddy, thank you Mummy" She turned to them. "You just eat your dinner, freshen up and retire to bed. It's past bedtime. And my baby has had a long day." Mrs Thompson added. "I love you, Daddy, I love you, Mummy." "Aww, we love you too." Mr and Mrs Thompson both replied. They had a big warm embrace.