The Legend Of Rayden Arsenio

Chapter 4: Good News

After three days, Rayden was finally discharged from the hospital. His bruises had healed, and he was feeling much better. The people who had beaten him up had been caught.

"Oh, my child. Are you feeling better now?" Mrs. Rebecca asked, concerned.

"I feel physically better, Mom. The pain in my body fades quickly, but the pain in my heart, even with the slightest relief, still lingers," Rayden expressed his emotions.

"Oh, child. Forget about those things for now. You are kind, hardworking, brave, and handsome. You take after your father and me. I know you will overcome your love troubles..." Mrs. Rebecca gently held both of Rayden's cheeks.

She embraced him, offering comfort for what he was feeling.

"Even though I fail in love, I am fortunate because you are always there to support me," Rayden said.

"Because you are my child. I love you and your sister dearly. I hope you both take care of each other when I'm no longer around," Mrs. Rebecca raised her chin.

"You will never be gone from us, Mom. You are still strong. You will even see your future grandchild," Rayden placed his hand on his mother's shoulder.

"I hope so," she replied softly.

Leila suddenly arrived.

"Mom, Brother, can I join the hug? You're making me cry too–" Leila joined in the embrace.

When Mrs. Rebecca left the house to sell fish in the market, Ricky suddenly arrived at Rayden's house. He nearly stumbled in his haste.

"Rayden! Dude..." Ricky said breathlessly as he reached his friend's house.

Rayden raised an eyebrow as he sat in the living room, sipping his coffee. He placed the coffee on the table and stood up to face his friend.

"What's up, dude? You look like you're being chased by a crazy dog with that look on your face," Rayden asked with a furrowed brow.

"It's... It's because... Our friend Ramon is here," Ricky managed to say between breaths.

"Ramon? The former junk collector who lives near Aunt Kekay's place?" Rayden confirmed.

"Yeah..."

"But didn't he go abroad?"

"Yes. He arrived. Apparently, last night," Ricky said.

"So, what's the big deal? Did you ask him for a souvenir?" Rayden asked sarcastically.

"No. Remember how you were planning to go abroad? I talked to him about how you can work in Singapore," Ricky said with a smile.

"Are you saying I should go abroad?"

"Yeah. Don't you want to? If you go abroad, your life will improve. You can even help your family escape poverty," Ricky persuaded Rayden.

"But what about the expenses? Even if I want to, I don't have enough money," Rayden replied with concern.

"Don't worry, dude. Ramon's agency will take care of that. So, what do you say? Are you in?" Ricky asked eagerly.

Rayden took a step closer to the window. "I'll think about it."

"Dude, you won't have to endure fishing anymore. You'll become successful someday."

"What about you? Are you planning to go abroad too?" Rayden asked Ricky.

"No. My wife doesn't want me to," Ricky replied.

"You're just afraid... that if you leave your wife, she might replace you," Rayden joked.

Ricky looked down and seemed to sulk at his friend's comment.

"Hey, don't take it seriously, dude. I was just kidding," Rayden apologized.

"Anyway, if you've made up your mind, just come to my house and I'll accompany you to Ramon's place... Alright, I'll go ahead," Ricky said.

"Thanks for the news, Ricky."

Around three in the afternoon, Rayden picked up his sister Leila from school, and they headed to the market together for their mother.

"Brother, why did you pick me up? Aren't you going fishing with Ricky?" Leila asked curiously.

"Nah, he's busy. And I have good news," Rayden replied.

"What is it, Brother?"

"Let's talk about it at home."

"Can't you tell me now?"

"Let's visit Mom first. Come on..."

"You're so annoying," Leila said, scratching her head.

The two of them went to the market to help their mother sell fish. They arrived to find the market bustling with people.

"There are so many people today, it's like Christmas," Leila commented as they squeezed through the crowd.

When they reached their mother's stall, they found her already tidying up the remaining merchandise.

"Mom, why are you packing up? Is nobody buying our fish?" Rayden asked his mother.

Mrs. Rebecca faced them and paused her tidying. "Oh, my children. There you are. Actually, someone bought all of my fish. Even Linda next to me had her fish completely sold as well. We're so lucky today," she said, before returning to her task.

"Well, who could be the rich person who bought our fish?" Leila asked.

"I didn't ask who it was. But from what I gather, the face looked familiar. They said the last name was Valle. They're a businessperson..." Mrs. Rebecca revealed.

Rayden was taken aback when his mother mentioned that. He knew she was referring to Isabelle's suitor, who was also his competitor.

"Why, brother, is there a problem?" Leila curiously inquired.

"No... Alright, let's help Mom," Rayden replied, trying to brush off his thoughts.

The siblings helped their mother tidy up the merchandise. Leila remembered what Rayden had mentioned earlier.

"Mom, Rayden said he has good news to share with us," Leila mentioned.

"What is it, Rayden?" their mother asked.

"Later, Mom. When we get home," Rayden responded.

Rayden lightly tapped his fist on his sister's head in annoyance.

"Enough of that. We need to hurry, or we might get caught in the rain," Mrs. Rebecca said.

In the evening, around seven o'clock, the family gathered for dinner. Rayden finally revealed the good news that Ricky had told him earlier that morning.

"You're going abroad?" Mrs. Rebecca paused mid-bite upon hearing her son's revelation.

"Yes, Mom. This is a way for us to improve our lives, and maybe I'll be accepted again by Isabelle and her family," Rayden explained to his mother.

"Mom, please agree. We'll become wealthy if Brother goes abroad," Leila chimed in during the conversation.

"I'm not opposing it. What I'm worried about is what might happen to you there, my child," Mrs. Rebecca expressed her concern.

"Mom, Pareng Ramon's agency will take care of all the expenses and accommodations. They will also ensure our safety. And I believe that Dad will guide me," Rayden reassured his mother.

"May God guide you too, my child. The decision is yours."

"Thank you, Mom," Rayden expressed his gratitude to his mother.

"Brother, make sure to send me lots of chocolates, okay? I want to give them to my friends. And I can proudly say that I have an OFW brother," Leila exclaimed.

"Hey, stop it, Leila. Your brother hasn't even gone to Singapore yet, and there you go," Mrs. Rebecca scolded her youngest.

"But, my child, don't forget to send money, okay? I'll try my luck in the lottery, maybe I'll win," Mrs. Rebecca joked.

Everyone laughed at her playful remark.

"You're really something, Mom, always cracking jokes. Your jokes are so corny," Leila commented.

"Well, what can I do? You're just so lively--" Mrs. Rebecca couldn't finish her sentence as she suddenly held her chest. She felt a tightness and had difficulty breathing.

"Mom! Mom! Are you okay?" Rayden quickly stood up to assist his mother. "Leila, get some water, quickly!"

"Yes, Brother, just a moment--" Leila hurried to get some water.