Episode Six: “A little kindness, a little trust.”

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Days had passed and Vicky and Rachel were getting used to their new life, granted they didn’t talk to each other much but at least Vicky wasn’t talking rudely to her anymore. He was still refusing to eat anything she cooked though.

“How many times do I have to tell this woman? She is quiet but so stubborn” Vicky griped in the office as he stared at the lunch box in front of him delivered by Patrick.

“Can’t you just eat the food? You ate it once at the dinner” Patrick pointed out but looked away when Vicky glared at him.

“Oh well, since you can’t stomach it like all the other days, I will help.” Patrick said like he was doing Vicky a favor. He quickly grabbed the food and dug in.

“Wow, she is an excellent cook” Patrick said pleased, ignoring Vicky’s scornful side eye looks. He continued, “I thought Rachel would be a bit spoilt and rude but she isn’t. I wonder why everyone we asked said she was that.”

“Yeah, I thought the same. Do you think she is pretending?” Vicky asked.

“It’s plausible, but there is only so long someone can pretend” Patrick said and continued stuffing his face. Vicky continued his scornful eyeing of Patrick.

At the house, Rachel sat in the living room thinking about her brother and how the school semester was going to begin soon.

The door opened and Rachel turned around to see Vicky and Patrick. “Welcome” she greeted. Vicky grumpily answered her and Patrick went to the kitchen.

Patrick was surprised to see that there was nothing much left in the fridge. “The fridge looks really empty, are you planning to join the takeout food wagon?” He asked, looking a bit horrified.

“No, all the foodstuff I bought are finished and I can’t really buy more right now” Rachel said a bit upset by that.

Vicky rolled back just to give her a look of disbelief. “What do you mean you can’t buy more?” he asked. “What about the credit card I gave you?”

“I just can’t bear to use it” Rachel admitted cutely. “I feel that if I use a smidge, the money will finish quickly. It was even a hard choice to buy that dress back then.”

Patrick and Vicky stared at Rachel speechlessly and exchanged an incredulous look. “You…” Vicky said but he didn’t know what to say. “Are you a scrooge? How can a daughter of a senator say she was scared to use money?”

Rachel belatedly realized what she said and looked away a bit worried and sheepish. “Patrick, make some time out of my schedule tomorrow. I think I have some things to put in other” Vicky said, staring at Rachel wordlessly and rolled away.

Patrick followed after him, shooting her an incredulous look when she wasn’t looking. As soon as they went in, Rachel slapped her forehead for saying such a scroogy thing.

The next day, when Rachel came back to the house from the restaurant, she saw the kitchen looked different and saw it stocked with an assortment of food from cereals to spices and juices in the fridge. There was a lot of rice and beans and others in the store.

“Wow,” Rachel said surprised. She saw a sticky note in the fridge with Vicky’s neat handwriting on it.

Text me if you’ve seen it.

Rachel immediately texted him. I have seen it. Were you the one who did this?

V – I had to. I gave you a luxury pass in your hands and you couldn’t even spend it for something as important as food. I may not eat the food but don’t starve yourself unnecessarily.

Rachel smiled a bit to read the text. She texted back – thank you.

At the office, Vicky read it and he seemed to feel sentimental about it. It has been a long time since anyone thanked him. He texted back – you’re welcome.

Rachel smiled in content and looked around. She remembered her mother and her brother. “I hope you don’t hate me too much Testimony, I just need to find a way to get you close to me.”

At the office, Patrick and Vicky discussed again how strange it was that Rachel couldn’t use the money–even for food. “…she is just really weird” Vicky said.

“Yeah, but she is a nice girl” Patrick said. Vicky said nothing in response. He continued, “also, your check up is tomorrow.”

“I see, why do I keep going for this useless check ups? It’s pointless” Vicky said pessimistically.

“Stop holding yourself back boss. Don’t kick up a fuss about your check up and go” Patrick said, almost pleadingly. Vicky sighed heavily and turned away.

With Rachel, Rachel came to see her mom along with Testimony. “Testimony, how are you?” Angela smiled. “I hope you are studying hard like you are supposed to.”

“Yes mom, I’m fine. I’m very brilliant anyways, everyone says that” Testimony said proudly and the two women smiled.

“You are very smart like your sister” Angela praised and they talked a bit before the women told Testimony to wait outside.

“What is going on Rachel? Why is your brother staying with mama Eno. You know how he is, if he is staying there, then where are you?” Angela asked worried.

Rachel looked down and began to tear up. “I got married mom” She told the truth and Angela stared at her in disbelief.

Rachel told Angela everything and Angela looked heartbroken. “My baby, my princess” Angela said heartbroken. “I have treated you so unfairly. You have gone through much because of me.”

Rachel sniffed and held her mom’s hand to her cheek. “It’s okay mom. Just as long as you get well, we will find a way to get out of it together” she said hopefully.

“This Vicky, does he treat you well?” Angela asked apprehensively.

“He was a bit hostile and rude at the beginning but he is better now” Rachel said and consoled her mom. “Don’t worry, just focus on getting better. I will take care of Testimony, I promise.”

Angela nodded tearfully and Rachel left. She and Testimony went on their way. “Why did you get married sister?” Testimony asked out of the blue.

Rachel stared at Testimony in shock. “I heard everything” Testimony said impassively, confirming her thoughts. “is it because of mom? Because of me? You have always looked unhappy.”

“It is mine and mom’s fault right” he concluded, turning to her. Rachel looked concerned and faced him. She grabbed his shoulders.

“It’s not, life is just tough but I am not unhappy. I won’t be if you are by my side. You and mom are my strength” Rachel said, staring into his eyes. “just stay happy for my sake and I will be okay.”

“I’m sorry Rachel” Testimony apologized and Rachel hugged him, getting appropriately teared up.

Rachel arrived home just as Patrick was leaving after dropping Vicky off. Rachel greeted him politely. Patrick responded brightly and was about to leave when he had a thought.

“Madam, Boss is getting a routine check up tomorrow but he doesn’t like doing it. Do you want to join him? As support?”

“Oh, I don’t mind doing so” Rachel said thoughtfully. “But I don’t think Vicky will like me there. I might be the opposite of support to him.”

“Either way, you can try by coming. Please do” Patrick said hopefully. “If you change your mind, give me call and I will pick you up tomorrow.”

Rachel looked unsure and conflicted on what to do and Patrick took his leave having said what he wanted.

{💮}

The next day, Patrick and Vicky were in the car on their way to the hospital after a day at work. Vicky looked more sour than usual. “Where are you going Patrick? This isn’t the way to the hospital.” Vicky said grouchily.

“Yes, I’m sorry but there is someone we have to pick up on the way” Patrick said cheerfully.

Vicky eyed him suspiciously, “who?”.

As if on cue, the car stopped. Rachel came in and sat next to Vicky. “Good afternoon” she greeted, avoiding Vicky’s eyes and the same time, glancing at him.

“Oh God” Vicky groaned quietly under his breath and dropped his head on the car seat in front of him. He glared at Patrick. “I ought to fire you.”

“But you won’t” Patrick quipped cheerily and Vicky snarled at him. Rachel smiled not feeling intimidated by Vicky’s mood anymore. She had learned that he is always like this. She understood from Patrick and Vicky’s bicker that he cared for Patrick. His rude attitude was just a way to protect himself.

They arrived at the hospital and Rachel looked a bit amazed at the beautiful looking hospital. Vicky stared at her curiously.

“This hospital is owned by my company. My father built it for my mom” Vicky said, getting a little lost in his memories. Rachel glanced at him, noting his wistful look.

Patrick helped Vicky into the wheelchair and was about to push it inside but Rachel quickly grabbed the handles making Vicky tense.

“I want to do it” Rachel asserted.

“Leave the handles and let Patrick take them” Vicky said growing tense. He held on to the arm rest apprehensively, as if he was scared.

“No” Rachel refused calmly. “I know you don’t want me interfering in your life but it can’t be helped. I want to help you, not because I think you are helpless but because I want to be someone you can rely on and trust.”

Patrick looked touched to hear that and Vicky too could tell she was sincere. He gripped the arm rest of the wheelchair tentatively.

“Let go of the handles” Vicky said with gritted teeth and Patrick and Rachel looked a bit disappointed to hear that. Patrick moved to take the handles but Rachel doesn’t let go.

“You may yell at me after this but I am willing to bear it” Rachel said determined and pushed the wheelchair.

Vicky looked a bit scared and gripped the arm rest tightly. It took him back to a memory, after the accident when he had started using a wheelchair.

Vicky was rolled into the main company building by a man. Patrick stood near the front desk watching Vicky get rolled in.

All of a sudden, the wheelchair jerked and Vicky fell off the chair. Though the secretary had helped him up along with some help of some other employees, that incident had opened his eyes to how helpless he was.

“S-S-Stop” he stuttered. “Stop.” Rachel stopped and looked at his face, realizing the pain stricken look on his face. She slowly let go of the handles.

Patrick caught up with them and silently took Vicky to the front desk. Rachel watched Patrick converse with the receptionist and a nurse came to take Vicky inside for the check up.

Rachel and Patrick sat at the lobby to wait for Vicky. “I hope you are not offended. Sir doesn’t have anything personal with you, it’s just–” Patrick started to explain but Rachel cut him off.

“I understand” Rachel smiled. “as I talk more and more to Vicky, the more I understand him. His gruff and hurtful words are just what he uses to guard himself.”

Rachel looked at Patrick, “I just want to be someone he can count on, just like he counts on you.”

Patrick stared at her amazed. Hearing those words from any other mouth would be meaningless but she had a way of making it sound true, her sincerity was in her words and actions.

“I am sure Sir will understand. I believe he will see your sincerity soon” Patrick encouraged.

Rachel smiled, “I hope so.”

Immediately, Patrick got a work call and he excused himself to answer the call. Rachel sat there waiting and coming out of another hallway was Austin.

Austin adjusted his suit and raised his head to see Rachel. He looked at Rachel surprised but she hadn’t noticed him. He grinned mischievously and approached her.

“Hello.” Austin said, taking a seat next to her.

“You?” Rachel said surprised.

“What? No greeting this time? I knew you were just pretending to be a dutiful daughter in-law.” Austin teased.

“Um, good afternoon” Rachel greeted awkwardly.

“Good afternoon, so I am guessing you accompanied my dear brother to the hospital” Austin said, looking around for Vicky.

“Yes, but what are you doing here?” she asked.

“You are talking more now.” Austin noted.

“I’m trying to get used to talking to you like this, after all we are family” Rachel justified, giving him a look.

“Family.” Austin scoffed amused. He answered, “I came for my routine check up too, just like Vicky. Why did you ask so demandingly and why stare at me like that?”

“Sorry if I was being demanding, I just want to say something honestly” Rachel said. “seeing you will make Vicky upset so please leave.”

“You are really brave to ask me to leave when this is my father’s hospital. You have no right to ask me” Austin said condescendingly.

“I think I have a right as Vicky’s wife and your sister in-law” Rachel said calmly.

“Vicky’s wife? Sister in-law” Austin laughed in mockery. “you assume too much. Don’t think too much about Vicky defending you at the dinner, I know him. He didn’t want to be insulted by me.”

“Your marriage was an arranged one. Imposed on Vicky and the family by our father, no one really wanted you to be a part of our family” Austin said derisively. Rachel stared at him for long.

“Do you think I wanted to be a part of your family either?” Rachel snapped. Austin looked at her in surprised and she covered her slip up quickly. “Stop acting like you are the only one inconvenienced because I am the one on the receiving end of your hostility.”

Austin stared at her stunned as she talked. “You are not the one suffering remarks everyday so don’t speak like you are suffering” Rachel said upset. “And I am only helping you out because once Vicky comes out, both of you are going to be exchanging insults.”

“Insults that will hurt you both and make your relationship worse.”

“Why do you sound like you care?” Austin said feeling confused because he could feel her sincerity.

“Because I do. I can tell that both of you hurt each other whenever you see” Rachel said gently, “I don’t know why and I probably won’t understand but…yeah.”

“You talk weirdly” Austin teased. Rachel shrugged and Austin smiled. “Okay, I will leave. Also, sorry for the way my mother and I insulted you at the dinner.”

“Okay” Rachel smiled pleased. Austin turned around and left. Austin entered his car and his mind drifted to something Rachel said.

“Stop acting like you are the only one inconvenienced because I am the one on the receiving end of your hostility.”

“She has a way with words” Austin remarked thoughtfully and drove off.

Just as he left, Vicky returned from the doctor’s office. Rachel looked at him surprised, “oh you’re done, how was it?”

Vicky looked at her weirdly but answered, “it was fine. Was that Austin just now?”

“Um yes, we were talking” Rachel answered honestly, after not being able to come up with an excuse.

“Talking? I didn’t know you two were that close considering you only met formally during the dinner” Vicky remarked sourly.

“I was just getting familiar with him since I am his sister in-law” Rachel said.

Vicky huffed at the word ‘sister in-law.’ “Don’t talk to him again, I hate him and he and his mother insulted you so don’t” Vicky added gruffly.

“It can’t be helped that I am still their in-law so I am still obliged to relate with them.” Rachel politely said.

“Even after they insulted you, you are ridiculous.” Vicky said in disbelief. “They are not even my family.” Rachel looked at him sadly.

“Where is Patrick?” he finally asked.

“He left for a business call” Rachel answered. “should I help you?”. Rachel expected a blunt no but Vicky was silent for a moment. He eyed her distrustfully then said a gruff yes.

Rachel could not control the relieved smile on her face and Vicky was thrown off by the first smile I believe he had seen on her face.

Rachel rushed over to him and helped him push. “Gently” he said and Rachel nodded.

“This means you are starting to trust me, thank you Vicky” she thought. “I admit, I hated you at the beginning. I felt it was your fault that I was forced to marry you but knowing you now, I can’t blame you. You were just as helpless as me.”

“You don’t smile a lot” Vicky said.

“I don’t?” Rachel said confused. It sounded like the first time she had heard someone say this.

“You don’t. Am I the reason?” Vicky asked.

“No,” Rachel quickly denied.

“It’s okay if I am the reason.” Vicky said quietly. “but don’t let my bitterness bring you down. Smile brightly like you did just now, happily. With me not weighing you down.”

There was a silent moment between them now. “Maybe I will just have to bring you up from your bitterness to the brightness that causes my smile. “ Rachel said smiling.

Vicky couldn’t help but smile. “You have a way with words” He couldn’t help but say.

“I have heard that a lot” Rachel smiled.

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Rachel’s sincerity is reaching some hearts right now but her truth is still hidden? Will those sincerities be broken by her lie.

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