Chapter 081

"Vienna hija, are you alright?" Auntie asked worriedly. I just nodded in response and kept staring at the teddy bear I was holding. We are still here at home, Tine and I were going to leave earlier but Aunt Maricel served us food that's why we couldn't leave. "Vienna, is there a problem? You've been quiet since you came down. What are you thinking? Tell me and I'll help you," Tine said but I didn't look at him. I took a deep breath and then put the teddy bear down on the table. "You've been staring at that teddy bear for a while now. Is that from the box that Mang Eduardo gave you?" he added. "No, it's from Dad's office," I replied. I thought when I saw this teddy bear, I would remember something about Martin but nothing. I've been staring at it for a while but it's nothing, I just get a headache when I force myself to remember the past. "Do you remember who gave you that?" Aunt Maricel asked. "Yes... it's Martin.. but I don't remember what he looks like," I answered, making her surprised. She immediately looked away which surprised me. I feel that she knows the person I'm talking about but she seems afraid to tell me about that guy. "Do you know who he is?" I asked but she didn't look at me. "You know what happened to me 3 years ago and you also know that my dad is gone. That only means one thing, you know the guy I'm talking about. Am I right, Aunt Maricel? You know who is Martin?" I added then she looked at me. I feel that something is stopping her from telling me what she knows. "I know him, Vienna, but I have never seen him. Your father only told me about him before and I found out from him, that Martin was the only guy you answered and you loved out of the many suitors you have had. Your father never thought that Martin was the one you would answer to because you were friends. Your father didn't do anything because you love each other and you are happy with Martin. That's all your father asked for, you'll be happy with the person you love." I turned to Tine but he was listening silently while looking down. I want to keep him away from such matters because I don't want to hurt him. But I couldn't do it and now I feel that he is hurting even though he didn't tell me his true feelings. "He showed me a picture of you with Martin and the only thing I said at the time was, you suit together. And even though I only saw him in the photo, I still remember his face. But I can't believe it, that you don't even remember what he looked like. He was one of the most important people in your life but you forgot him." That's also one of the things that surprised me, he was the only guy I loved before, but he was the one I forgot. I was saying his name when I woke up from the coma. But after a year of my stay at the orphanage, I forgot his name. Why is that? Why did I suddenly forget him? "Your dad came here to organize and hide all the things you left here. I helped organize but I couldn't help but wonder what your dad was doing at that time." "Mang Eduardo mentioned that to me. He was also surprised because that was the first time he saw Dad get angry." "Yes, hija and we don't know the reason why your dad did that." "But do you know the reason why he made me live there in the orphanage?" I asked, making her silence. I already know the answer to my question but something seems to be missing as if that's not enough of a reason to send me to the orphanage. Yes, I did get better but why did Dad keep me away from Mom and my brother? "No Vienna, he didn't tell me anything about that. I think the one you should ask about that matter is your mom. Only she can answer that, only her and no one else," she replied. I have never once asked Mom about it because I know she will not be able to answer my question. But I've always wondered why she didn't even manage to visit me at the orphanage 3 years ago. And that's one of the reasons why I hate her and I didn't talk to her for more than a month. Did Dad intentionally keep me away from them and the people close to my heart? But why would he do that? *** "Vienna.. are you okay?" "I'm fine, don't worry about me." We are on our way back to Manila, I don't want to go home yet but I need to rest my body and mind. I learned and discovered a lot of things today. I want this to be over and I want to know everything but who can I ask for help? If all the people around me are hiding a secret from me. "Vienna, your phone is ringing, maybe that's important," Tine said then I looked at the phone I was holding. Because of many thoughts, I didn't even notice that someone was calling me. "Hello, yes sir? Why did you get called?" I answered. The call came from Sir Francisco, he is a private investigator recommended to me by Sir Leon who is the Head Officer and operator of the CCTV at the hospital where I was sent a few days ago. I asked him for help to find the man who left the envelope at the hospital counter. I can't be in silence until I know who he is. (Hello ma'am Vienna, I called to tell you that I have found the man in the video you gave me) "Did you get any info about him?" (Yes ma'am and maybe it's better if I tell you personally) "Alright, I'll send you the address where we can meet." (Okay, ma'am) Finally, he found him and I can breathe easily. I hope after this, I can see him and we can talk. "Vienna, who called you?" Tine asked. "Nothing, don't mind it." "Why don't you want to tell me about that? I want to help you but how can I help you if you don't tell me," he said angrily. "It's not that I don't want to, I just don't want you to know about it. I want to face it alone because I wanted to and I'll stand by it. I can handle it, Tine, just trust me. I'm fine so don't worry," I replied. "Are you going to keep that a secret from Michelle too?" he asked which silenced me. I turned my gaze away and sighed deeply. I have to lie and hope he can forgive me for what I do. "Where will I drop you off?" he asked seriously causing me to look back at him. He didn't look at me but I could feel that he was angry. I get nervous every time I see him this serious because he might do something I don't expect at any time. "Tine... I'm sorry.." I said but he couldn't look back at me. He is angry. "I'll tell you when I know everything, but not now. I hope you understand me." I didn't get an answer from him so I just kept quiet and looked down. When we got to the shop, I was the one who opened the door after he stopped the car. I was not able to say goodbye to him because he immediately left without my expectation. I don't understand my feelings, it hurts me when I see him sulking and angry with me. I feel like I want to take back what I said to him earlier but it's too late.