WANDERING TRAIL....

Chapter 1: Atiena

It's said 'You shouldn't judge the book by its cover' but in my case it can't be judged even by its first chapter. 

So guys please read at least three chapters before deciding to continue reading or not. 

Hope you enjoy ' WANDERING TRAIL!! '
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Atiena Astor was the only daughter to John Astor and Alvara.
Her father being a single parent raised her to the best of his ability.
Untill she turned 17,  her father fell seriously ill.
No more could he support his daughter.
But Atiena never complained.
She was always different...since childhood,
when all the children fought for sweets and toys she would never think twice before sharing.
Kindness and generosity were traits she acquired from birth.

Atiena had never seen her mother.
When she was five years old her mother disappeared.
No-one knew where she was; except her father.
There was not a single day when she did not ask him about her mother but never got an answer.
Her mother's existence was a big question mark in her life.
But she never lost hopes....
Hopes to find the key to a simple and peaceful life.
Others felt sorry for her but she never begged for sympathy.

Atiena had to support her father and look after her studies forcing her to work as a stock manager at a bakery in the morning and after attending school she would take the job as a waitress in a café in the evening.
The owners were very kind and understanding when she was late.

Atiena's POV
I sat in front of the mirror "Another day Atiena..... you can do this!!"
I smiled at my reflection and picked up my bag leaving my room.

"Papa ... Are you awake???"

I called out my father while preparing breakfast for him.

"Yes... Here I come."

In came a wheelchair with dad sitting on it.

He looked even more pale.....though he tried to hide his pain with the smile.
I knew that he was really very worried about me.
He gave me a warm smile greeting me good morning.

"Papa ......have your breakfast and don't forget to take these medicines!"

I kept the plate with french toast and two hard-boiled eggs on the table and handed him his medications.

"Sure sweetheart! But aren't you eating with me?" He asked.

"I'm already late. I've to run..bye take care!"

I was about to open the door when I heard my father,

"Atiena... Child.. I'm sorry.
I know I couldn't be the best father to you.
Look at my condition I can't even take care of my only daughter."

His eyes were filled with tears.
I came up to him, sat on the floor and took his hands in mine.

"Papa , you've taken care of me for so long, now it's my turn...
And don't blame yourself. You are the best father in the whole world!
I understand how hard it must've been for you... especially when mom wasn't here.
I don't even remember how she looked but I've always felt her love through you... So never blame yourself.
Okay??"

He wiped the tears which rolled down my cheeks.

"Okay... enough of emotional scenes for today.... "