Chapter 6

• Chapter 6
• “Hello, Lucas Victor…..” Before Daniel could ask his best friend, Victor, what the issue was, Victor broke the shocking news.
• “I got fired after being beaten up,” Victor said from the other end, trying to steady his voice that was filled with sadness.
• “What? They beat you up and got you fired because of me?” Guilt washed over Daniel's face, “Let's meet.”
• ***
• “Is this what they did to you? How dare they lay their filthy hands on you?” Daniel's blood boiled as he looked at the disfigured face of his friend, Victor.
• His face was red with bruises and was also swollen as a result of the forceful blows that the men had landed on him.
• Standing up, Daniel approached Victor, gently touching his face to soften it, “So sorry, Vic. All this happened to you because of me. I'm sorry.”
• “It was never your fault, Dan.” Victor forced a smile to his face and replied. “But what exactly happened at the office?” He asked.
• Daniel took back his seat, his face a hint of anguish, “My life is of no good. It has no meaning at all.” He began, “I recently lost my job as the cafeteria cleaner because of Camron and his group, and now…” Tears began to drop from his eyes as he narrated what had happened in Brown's office.
• “Daniel, your life is never meaningless. Anything happening to you now is just preparing you for the success to come.” Victor caressed his hair, wiping his tears.
• Daniel shook his head, disapprovingly, “No, it's not, Vic.” His expression turned more sorrowful but this time, it was filled with rage. “Since my Mom passed away, my Dad ran away without checking on me. I'm just the one taking care of myself. Where I am today is just because of my struggles….”
• Victor cut him off and moved his anguish, “It's okay, Daniel, everything will be fine. Trust me.” He then tried to make him feel happy, “Guess what, Dan? Orval Morris is proposing to the most popular girl on campus at his mansion, why don't we go there?”
• Even though Victor hated Morris for being a bully to Daniel, he only suggested going there since all campus students were invited too.
• Daniel raised his eyebrows at Victor, his face a mix of disbelief, “Morris? No, you can go, I'm not going with you!” Daniel retorted his words firm.
• Although he secretly admired Orval Morris for being the most famous rich campus guy on campus, he also hated him for using his wealth to intimidate others, which he was among.
• Victor tapped his shoulder, smiling, “Come on. I'm aware of the fact that you hate him so much with everything inside of you. I do also, but let's just be there, and once we catch a glimpse of the lady he wants to propose to, then we'll leave the party.”
• There was a moment of silence at their table in the restaurant. Daniel sipped through his glass of water, looking at Victor with hesitation.
• “I don't hate him; I just hate his pompous behavior towards others.”
• “That means we're good to go.” Victor declared without letting Daniel say a word. A took a spoonful of the stewed rice.
• “Aha, how much have you saved to get the birthday gift for Kathie, your girlfriend tomorrow? No matter how little it is, let it show your love for her.”
• Daniel's face paled, “I got no single penny. Where I expected payment from, none paid.” He answered emotionally.
• “Don't worry, I'll add up with the little you have. We'll get it on my way before going to the party.”
• “You will?” Daniel's eyes opened in shock but adorned with heartfelt gratitude. “Thank you so much, Victor.” He got up and hugged him. “I promise to repay your kindness.”
• “It's nothing, man. We're friends so we're supposed to help each other in both good and tough times. Come on, let's eat.”
• *****
• The clock ticked so fast that day and it was already 5 PM. Daniel and Victor were spotted in a jewelry store.
• “Yes, I want the silver one.” Daniel pointed, his face full of excitement that Kathie would be surprised to see that he was able to get silver jewelry for her.
• “How much is it?” He asked after the sales lady brought it.
• “This is a lower quality, sir and it cost just $40.” The sales lady responded, and Daniel quickly paid with two $20 notes; one was his, and the other was the one Victor added up.
• Within minutes, the sales lady packaged it nicely for him, “Here you go, sir. Thanks for patronage.”
• With a wide smile, Daniel collected it, pocketing it. Once he and Victor were outside the store, he glanced at Victor, happy, “I'm sure, she'll love it and will be shocked.”
• Victor nodded in agreement, “Yes, she will. This shows your unwavering love for her.”
• “Thank you, this is all possible because of you.” With that, they flagged down a cab and headed to Morris’ mansion for the party.