My Youth Began With Him

12

"Sam." When Jessica picked up the phone, her voice took on a doting tone.

"Sis, are you off work today?"

"Yeah."

"Then let's go sweep Dad's grave together at noon."

"Okay." Jessica was planning to go even if Sam hadn't called.

It had been exactly seven years since her stepdad passed away. It was on this day, seven years ago, that her stepdad died from that fatal car crash.

"I already went with Mom this morning and her mood wasn't great. I'll go with you again at noon."

"Don't you have classes today?"

"Nope. I'm going to the library to study in the afternoon."

"Alright, wait for me. We'll meet at the gates of the cemetery."

"Okay."

Hanging up, Jessica's mood instantly grew heavy.

She still remembered that night seven years ago. She was on her way home from her evening classes when a black Buick commercial van came charging at her, too quick for her to dodge.

It was then that her stepdad, who was there to pick her up from school, suddenly charged over and pushed her aside.

In the end, she could only watch as he died under the wheels of that car. His blood formed a stream on the pavement.

She only sustained minor injuries and a few scrapes, but the accident cost him his life.

If it were not for her, he wouldn't have died.

Originally, she had thought that it was just an accident. However, she was left dumbstruck when she later learned that the driver responsible for the crash was the Chase Family's chauffeur.

How audacious was the Chase Family that they couldn't even be bothered to cover up the fact that they paid for someone to be killed? Did they really need to send their own chauffeur to do their dirty work?

These rich people really didn't give a damn about ordinary citizens. Her mother and younger brother were both heartbroken.

Time and time again, she had gone to court, suing the offending driver. By then, the Chase Family had already sent Andrew out of the country.

She, on the other hand, had been left to carry an unbearable burden all by herself. In the end, Jessica and her family insisted on rejecting the compensation.

The offending driver had had no choice but to take the charges and go to prison. However, he was only charged with drunk driving and was given a measly sentence of five years.

It was that moment when she profoundly felt the unfairness of it all and the difference between those with money and those without.

Furthermore, she understood that, with a background like hers, she would never be able to mingle with a wealthy family with connections like the Chase.

It was also then that she completely abandoned all thoughts of being with Andrew.

Collecting those heavy memories, Jessica splashed some water on her face. Changing into a pair of black pants, a black t-shirt, and a pair of black sunglasses, she walked out the door. As she passed the flower shop along the way, she stopped to purchase a bouquet of white chrysanthemums.

The public cemetery was located in the city outskirts, and it took three bus transfers just to get there. It was already close to noon when she arrived at the gates.