2 Chapter 2

Reverence instead of self doubt.

Chapter 2

Three months. He didn't even try to contact Geraldine. And in those three months every secret that he kept from her, started flooding into the grapevine of their University. How could she have been so blinded by the flutters of her heart that she failed herself as a woman.

He must have been a spoiled rich kid who perhaps wanted adventure in life. And being with her, a common struggling girl who nobody cared about except for a spinster aunt who was really disappointed with what Hubert had done, was his type of adventure.

She felt like a fool. Hubert disappeared, and the latest gossip she heard was about him being shifted to some sort of a rehab where they make people more classy. Because for almost two years of being together, Hubert hid his true family background. He was the son of a well known businessman who entered into politics a few years ago. And his mother was Doña Felicity Augustus, a well known socialite and philanthropist who was ironically one of Geraldines benefactors in one of her scholarships.

Geraldine took a deep breath and exhaled slowly through her gritted teeth. She had a lot of scholarship requirements from all the programs she applied to. Most of them required certain grades, but others like the one Mrs Felicity runs, demands a life long essay about the previous semester experiences.

At the beginning of the year, Ger thought she could share about finding true love and happiness. But she knew, she'd just stir unwanted attention if she mentioned her benefactor's son. Hubert Augustus, the secretive son of a billionaire, had finally shown his true colors. And she was afraid she'd not be able to fit into his standards.

Checking the time on her cheap wrist watch, Geraldine soon realized that she'd be late to attend one of her course's lectures. She could get into the building on the other side of the campus if she had her own ride. But then again, buying a bike was not an option at that point in time.

"Hey Ger, you're a bit late on passing your requirements on my mom's scholarship program." Emily, one of the rich kids in the university, approached Geraldine as she busily fixed school paperwork in her folder. She was one of her many clients as well. Geraldine did projects and research papers for students who were willing to pay. And Emily, as one of the busiest students in their campus, had her on speed dial.

Giving the girl a weak smile, Geraldine nodded, "I just sent the email with my requirements to her." Geraldine only had her long hair in a messy bun, while the girl in front of her was a bombshell. She was wearing her course uniform with matching luxury brands for her accessories. She looked preppy and posh, quite the opposite of what Geraldine looked like at the moment.

Emily's face lit up. "Cool! I'll send mom a text to have your cheque ready." She was tapping on the latest high end phone as she spoke. "I mean, the mid term is just around the corner and my projects will pile up soon. So what would I do without you? I'll also wire the balance I had for the last A+ paper you did in my history class!" She gushed. "I finally had my dad's platinum visa because of you!" She was a total princess, and she was smart too. But a busy social life made her hire Ger for the purpose of being in the status quo.

It was tough being an orphan with just her great aunt looking out for her. She needed to take care of some extra charges they had in the university as well as her own projects and allowances. She could do anything actually, but the weight of Hubert's disappearance was making it hard for her.

But Ger had been keeping something bigger for these past three months. She had not had her period since the last day she was with Hubert. She knew deep down that she was pregnant and the baby was his, but how could she tell him now? He was nowhere to be found. His mobile phone was out of reach. But somehow he got tons of school work which magically got graded even in his absence. The world revolves around money. And that made Geraldine feel a lot smaller.

As Emily went on and on about the excitement of spending her father's money, Geraldine had to stop herself from the urge of throwing up. But she could not stop a gag from escaping. "Oh my gosh Ger, are you okay?" Emily spoke with genuine worry.

Geraldine covered her lips with her fingers and nodded to the girl in front of her. Emily had been more than a client. She had been a genuine and caring person. "It must have been the coffee I drank earlier today. I have hyperacidity so…" she shrugged dismissing what must have been morning sickness finally rolling into her.

"Are you sure?" She asked putting a hand on Ger's shoulder with a reassuring squeeze. "You can always come to me when you need help. Okay?" She was serious and worried.

Ger smiled genuinely, "okay." she gave her a slight nod of the head. "I'll have to go, I've got a lecture to attend and some essays to write for a Senior."

Emily gave her a reassuring look and smiled, "I'll catch you later then." she started walking towards the door of the library. She wanted to envy Emily, she was free to be who she wanted to be because of being financially stable. But being Ger, she felt nothing but reverence to the girl.

Geraldine knew that Emily was a good person. She did pride herself with the ability of knowing genuine people from ones who were into her only for the benefits. She just didn't know what happened when it came to judging Hubert. She knew he was genuine, but then again he left her hanging. So that made her doubt her senses.