Leap OF Fate

After a month of resting, Doctor Reed gave Serene the green light to travel. The twin's heartbeats were strong, although their ultrasound showed that her placenta was still not in the correct spot.

Doctor Reed also recommended her fellow who practiced in New York, who could continue with Serene's treatment. After getting Serene's approval, Doctor Reed forwarded her medical records and got Serene an appointment.

She and her parents decided to bring her to New York to continue her pregnancy and raise her children. Carol would take care of her during her pregnancy while Conrad would accompany them to get them settled down, then would return to Coast City to attend to their business.

While she was packing her luggage, Mary barged into her room and quietly helped her in folding her clothes.

"I'm breaking up with Dylan," she blurted, making Serene look at her and stop what she was doing.

"It's for the best. I mean, how can I keep your whereabouts a secret? It's for the twins' safety," she explained, her voice breaking.

"Mary, you don't have to do that. I know how much you love Kurosawa. You don't need to sacrifice your happiness for us."

"But Justin might find out about you-"

"I don't think he'd bother looking for me, Mary. Didn't he say he wanted me out of his life?"

Mary continued to look at her friend and quietly helped her with her luggage. Unable to control the sadness she felt from her friend's imminent departure, she hugged her from the back.

"Mommy bear, I'm gonna miss you," she sobbed on her back.

"Me too, Aunt Mary," Serene said, facing her friend to hug her back.

The following day, the Lewis's accompanied the Ellis's to the airport. Each one hugged Serene tightly.

"Take care of yourself, Dear," Martha said as she tightly held Serene.

"We'll visit when we can, Shen," Albert said before giving her a hug.

"Al, will you help Dad with the business?" Serene whispered to his ears.

"I will. You don't even have to say it."

"I'll miss you, Mama Bear. I'll visit when I can. Take care of our babies, Ok?"

"I miss you already," Serene said and looked at her best friend through misty eyes.

The voice over announcement about their boarding cut off their goodbyes. The Ellis's queued for boarding.

After the arduous 12-hour flight, the Ellis's landed in New York. Their taxi brought them to the flat the Lewis's own. George insisted Serene live in the flat because it is in a safe neighborhood and would be conducive for Serene to raise her children.

He and Conrad had been friends since childhood. They treated each other more than comrades, but as brothers. To George, Serene was her second daughter. Knowing about her pregnancy and its surrounding circumstances, made his protective nature kick in. Not only was the neighborhood safe, but George put people to watch over Serene and ensure Justin does not learn about her or her children.

Serene looked around the spacious flat. It's on the top floor of the building and has access to the rooftop garden. It's sparingly decorated but was warm and homey.

It had two bedrooms and three full toilets and a bath. George was right. The neighborhood was safe and friendly. She could see her twins growing up in such an environment.

After settling in, Conrad stayed with his wife and daughter for three more days before going back to Coast City. He felt heavy in his heart. In the twenty-three years he and his wife had been together, this was the first time they'd be living apart.

After his 12-hour return flight, Conrad did not immediately return to Coast City. Rather, he stayed at Hyacinth Bay for a day.

He sat waiting at Hotel Le Grande's lobby, keeping a close eye on the people who came and left the hotel.

A group of men in tailored suits caught his attention. At the helm of the said group walked Justin. He stood tall, head held high, and did not bother looking at the people around him.

Conrad's feet walked in Justin's direction. And after reaching the right distance, he swung his fist and his punch landed squarely on Justin's jaw.

The men around suddenly moved forward and seized Conrad, but Justin signalled for them to let go. He wiped the blood from his mouth and touched his swollen jaw.

"That is for Serene, you bastard. We treated you like a son and this is what you do to our daughter? Mark my words, Justin, you will one day beg me to have Serene back but I will do everything in my power to keep her away from you."

After saying his piece, Conrad made an about face, leaving Justin feeling slightly dizzy from Conrad's punch.

Beg for his daughter back, he sneered. He must be dreaming. He would never even want to touch his daughter with a ten-foot pole. Why would he want a liar and a cheater back in his life?

He continued on his way, unbothered by the words Conrad left. He had not heard from Serene for over a month. Looks like she went back home to her parents.

Did they know their daughter cheated on him? He did not think so, otherwise where would Conrad get his courage to come to him and even hurt him. She must have spurned out lies to vilify him. He sneered at the thought.

Meanwhile, back in Coast City, Mary sat at the edge of her bed and looked at the balcony. Opposite her balcony was Serene's. Growing up, they would call out to each other on their balconies or would flash a light on their windows and would talk using morse code. How fast time flies. Now they're adults. Serene just left abroad to start her family on her own. In their twenty-two years of existence, this was the farthest they've been from each other.

"Hello, Dylan..." she said to the cellphone she held to her ear.0000000