Episode Fourteen: “The truth i'm scared to find out.”

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Rachel quickly noticed that Vicky was a bit distracted and quiet for the next few days. At the dining table at night, Testimony had long gone to bed and it was only Vicky and Rachel left.

Rachel had dropped Vicky’s food on the table and watched an absentminded Vicky reach out for the food barehanded.

“What are you doing?!” Rachel exclaimed, holding his hand and stopping him.

“Huh?” Vicky looked up and realized he was about to dip his hand into the rice. He grimaced and turned to Rachel.

“Is everything alright? You've been very distracted for sometime” Rachel asked worried. “What’s the matter?”

“It’s nothing, don’t worry” Vicky answered and quietly ate. Rachel quietly watched him concerned.

The next day, Rachel waited with Patrick for Vicky to come out. “Mr. Patrick, do you know what is wrong with Vicky?” Rachel asked, “nowadays, he seems very distracted. I'm worried.”

Patrick felt hesitant to answer Rachel now that he was confused about the truth. There was something strange about Rachel that he and Vicky didn’t know and it worried them.

“Er, Sir is just busy with a lot of work. That is why is so absentminded. He will be fine in a few days” Patrick said, making up an excuse.

“Okay, if you say so” Rachel said unconvinced. Patrick and Vicky left and Rachel went to see Prieye.

Rachel sat down, dully sipping her juice. Prieye shook her head and rolled her eyes as if thinking this was silly. She sat down and looked at Rachel.

“What complaints do you have now?” Prieye asked.

“Stop saying it like i'm complaining. I just need someone to talk to and you know you are the only friend I can do that with” Rachel sulked.

“Relax, unload your burdens” Prieye said nonchalantly.

“Vicky seems very absentminded lately and I catch him staring at me as if…he can’t believe me but he says it's nothing” Rachel said worried.

“Hmm, I see” Prieye said as if all knowing. “Considering all that has happened, I think he is in love with you and doesn’t know how to say it. That’s it.”

“That can't be it” Rachel denied vehemently.

“And why not? You are beautiful, kind” Prieye said offhandedly, “maybe he is just aware of his feelings now and doesn’t know how to react.”

Rachel looked skeptical about it but she just didn’t want to get her hopes up only for it to be crushed. “So, by the way, how is your brother in-law?” Prieye casually asked.

Rachel snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Prieye curiously. She smiled coyly and teased, “and I thought you didn’t like him. Just look at you.”

“Don’t think too much about it, I’m just asking on behalf of basic courtesy” Prieye weakly defended and sipped on Rachel’s juice a little bit to calmly.

“Yeah right, I believe you” Rachel said disbelieving. Prieye just scoffed and looked away.

At the office, Vicky was more focused at work but when it was lunch time, he hesitated to eat Rachel's food. He looked at the flask and the note she left him upset.

Don't work too hard. Stay healthy.

He crumpled the note upset and threw it on his desk carelessly. He reluctantly started eating then glanced at the crumpled note. He took the note back and stuffed it into his pocket.

“Sup?” Austin said, loudly announcing himself. “How are you doing V?”

“Oh God” Vicky grumbled annoyed.

“Ooh, that looks nice.” Austin said, looking at Vicky's food. He sat down opposite Vicky and reached out to take a piece of potato in the flask.

“What are you doing?” Vicky snapped, slapping his hand.

“Harsh” Austin said, feigning sadness then perked up. “Just came for the Vuce stores contract.”

Vicky scowled at him but turned to get the contract. Austin used this moment of distraction to sneak away a potato but Vicky caught him.

“Stop being a menace” Vicky griped.

“And stop being a grump, you are younger than me but if you keep looking like that, you are going to look much older” Austin retorted.

Vicky ignored him and handed him the contract. “Your wife is a good cook” Austin complimented and got up. “why don't you organize another dinner? It will be nice to taste her food again.”

“Get a wife Austin” Vicky deadpanned.

“Don’t be jealous, I wouldn’t want a strange wife like yours. She has such a way with words” Austin said and mumbled something about her working as he walked away to Vicky's surprise.

“How did you know?” Vicky asked, stopping Austin.

Austin turned around, “what do you mean?”

“How did you know that Rachel used to work in a restaurant?” Vicky asked suspiciously.

“Oh, she didn’t tell you I knew?” Austin said, “I found out first. She said she was doing it to gain experience and all those stuff. She also told me not to tell you but you found out either way.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Vicky demanded angrily.

“Hmm, I felt more compelled to listen to Rachel. Despite having known her for some time, she feels trustworthy” Austin said truthfully, “and I like her more than you.”

Vicky stared in incomprehension as Austin left. Rachel didn’t want him to know about her working and with all this secrets around her, he just didn’t understand what was going on.

Later at night, at the house, Rachel kept sneaking peeks at Vicky as she considered Prieye's idea that he maybe in love with her while Vicky just looked troubled.

While Rachel was inside getting something, Vicky stopped Testimony on his way to the room. “Testimony, can I ask you something?” Vicky asked.

“Okay” Testimony answered.

“Can you tell me about where you come from? I mean the orphanage and how you grew up?” Vicky asked. “It must have been difficult. You probably don’t remember your parents.”

“I…” Testimony hesitated, “why are you asking?”

“I just realized I never really asked about you” Vicky said, “I just want to know about you.”

Testimony pursed his lips conflicted. “I–” Testimony was interrupted by Rachel who was calling him. Testimony glanced at Vicky then ran away.

Vicky looked frustrated to have gotten nowhere. He returned to the dining table deep in thoughts and Rachel came to meet him.

“Is everything alright? You look worried and I don’t like it” Rachel said, “is there anything I can do to help you?”

Vicky said nothing. “Rachel?” he finally said.

“Yes?”

“I don’t think this is possible anymore” Vicky said and Rachel paled. She nearly lost her bearing.

“What?” She said stunned.

“Rachel, I am not going to be eating with you and Testimony anymore, and you can stop giving me lunches. I don't want that anymore” Vicky said impassively.

“Why? Did I do anything wrong? Is something the matter?” Rachel asked nearing tears.

“I don't have to explain myself to you, just do as I ask. I mean it this time” Vicky said coldly and left. Rachel stared shocked at what just happened.

{💮}

The next day, the mood was somber between Vicky and Rachel and Testimony and Patrick knew something was wrong. Rachel had subconsciously made breakfast for them all only to remember Vicky’s words and Vicky stopped himself from going to the dining room.

Vicky left the house with Patrick and Rachel watched him leave with his food flask in her hands. She looked at it sadly.

“What happened? Did you two have a fight?” Patrick couldn’t help but ask.

“I am just protecting myself. Rachel’s secrets do not seem simple at all. I am just stopping myself from being too attached so I can't be disappointed.” Vicky answered.

“Maybe you are just hurt to discover there might be a secret concerning someone you like after such a long time” Patrick suggested. 

“Just drive.”

Rachel sadly went to class but the way Vicky talked to her haunted her thoughts. She talked to Prieye in the university.

“You were very wrong Prieye, in fact, we have gotten back to square one” Rachel said sadly. “I have no idea why he is acting like this.”

“Negative reaction to the realization of his feelings?” Prieye suggested.

“Stop talking about his feelings? Who cares about such a silly emotion called love?” Rachel snapped upset, “love is a cheap ploy used by vendors to sell Valentine day cards.”

Prieye looked taken aback. “That’s a bit harsh Rachel” she said quietly.

“But it's true” Rachel said, standing her ground. She later relaxed, “I’m sorry, I’m just worked up. I'm really sorry.”

“it's okay, have you heard from your father?” Prieye asked.

“That man is the least of my problems Prieye” Rachel answered hatefully and the two of them walked away. They went to the regular place they always hang out and met Austin there.

“Good afternoon, um, what are you doing here?” Rachel asked.

“Nothing, I just had something to deliver in the neighborhood” Austin answered with an innocent smile. “Oh hey Prieye, how are you?”

“I’m fine” Prieye said without much hostility. Rachel and Austin were surprised but said nothing. They talked for a bit then as Austin was leaving, he called Rachel.

“Rachel, Vicky knows that I know about your former job and he didn’t look happy” Austin said, “just giving you a heads up.”

“Okay, thank you” Rachel said surprised and watched Prieye leave. She remembered how coldly Vicky had reacted and wondered if it was because of that.

At the office, Vicky ate his ordered food though he looked unhappy with it while Patrick ate his in the corner.

Later at night, Vicky had not get come home so it was just Testimony and Rachel there. Rachel was helping Testimony to iron his clothes while he read and she kept wondering how to talk to Vicky.

“Sister Rachel?” Testimony suddenly called.

“Yes?”.

“You and Brother Vicky don’t look happy? Are you fighting?” he asked.

“It’s nothing at all, don't worry about it” Rachel said immediately, forcing a smile.

“Okay, but Brother Vicky asked me something. He was asking about my orphanage and my parents since he thinks I’m adopted” Testimony said.

Rachel paused, “what?”

“I don’t know but he seemed very interested in all that and how I grew up” Testimony said and Rachel carefully put the iron down.

‘Is it that Vicky suspects something?’ Rachel thought fearfully.

Later, Vicky arrived home late and he found Rachel waiting for him. “What are you doing?” Vicky asked.

“I…wanted to ask you something” Rachel hesitantly answered.

“Couldn’t it wait till tomorrow? It's late” Vicky said tired.

“Sorry, I just really needed to ask today” Rachel said, “Austin told me that he told you about knowing that I used to work. I didn’t tell Austin, he just found out.”

“I didn’t really plan to tell anyone I was working” Rachel said while Vicky looked upset.

“It's okay, it doesn’t matter” Vicky said dismissively.

“Are you sure? If it doesn’t, then why are you being like this? I don’t understand what is going on so can't you at least explain?” Rachel asked upset.

“You are the reason I’m like this, you are my problem” Vicky said angrily, facing her. “it will be better if you stop talking to me and leave my sight.”

Rachel stood frozen in shock and disbelief while Vicky walked past her angrily. Rachel began to cry after the shock faded away.

{💮}

For the next few days, Rachel did as Vicky told and stayed out of his way and Vicky began to regret lashing out at her. At the office, Patrick was not happy about what Vicky did.

“Couldn't you wait till you received the results before pushing her away?” he judged, “and she looks so pitiful doing just as you asked.

“Stop trying to make me feel guilty” Vicky snapped, “I don’t pay you to scold me.”

Patrick shrugged unrepentant. He was about to say more when Austin’s secretary came in. “Sorry to barge in like this sir” he apologized, “I came to inform you that the Vasco group representatives might not be able to make it today. There was a big accident at…”

“Oh, are they alright? Were they in the accident area?” Vicky asked.

“No, they just saw the accident ahead and it was a big one. Several new channels are carrying news about the accident” The secretary answered.

Vicky nodded and sent the secretary away. Vicky continued checking some files when he realized something. He quickly checked his wrist watch and nearly panicked.

“Sir, what is it?!” Patrick asked worried.

“Rachel closed around this time today and this accident happened in the road she uses to return home” Vicky said worried and grabbed his phone to call her.

Vicky repeatedly called Rachel but she didn’t answer so he told Patrick to take him to the house quickly. Patrick drove Vicky home while Vicky kept thinking about how he regrets all the terrible things he said to Rachel.

They arrived home and Vicky tried to get in when the door opened and a dazed disheveled Rachel opened the door.

“Rachel?” Vicky said in relief and dragged her hand, pulling her into a hug. Patrick looked away sheepish and Vicky noticed Rachel did not respond to him.

“What happened? Let's go in.” Vicky said and Rachel let Vicky and Patrick in. Patrick went inside so Rachel and Vicky could talk in private.

“Are you alright? I heard about the accident that happened on your road” Vicky said, “are you fine?”

“I only saw the accident, I was really close to it” Rachel said dazed, “it was terrible, the fire from the bus. The people bleeding and on the road.”

Rachel shuddered and Vicky looked worried. “I’m fine, I’m alive after all so I’m fine” Rachel said trying to convince herself but it wasn’t working.

“You don't look fine” Vicky said concerned, “tell me.”

“It's just, I saw all those people, all those blood…those people were just living their lives, just like me and next thing, they are dead or on the verge of it.” Rachel said fearfully as she recalled it.

Vicky stared at Rachel worried and slowly approached her. “When I saw all that, I got scared and it made me wonder” Rachel said looking lost, “I want to be a doctor but the sheer sight of it…that blood, the carnage, I’m scared, I don’t think I can do this.”

Vicky looked at her then held her hands. “You want to be a doctor right?” he asked why.

“To save lives” Rachel answered, looking at him.

“And you will, seeing all that should encourage you to work harder so you can save lives like them” Vicky said, “it may be difficult but focus on your goal. What is it?”

“To save lives” Rachel answered more relaxed and she stared at Vicky’s supportive smile.

Later that night, Vicky didn’t bother to return to the office. He watched Rachel take care of her brother and cook. He later came to meet her when Testimony had slept.

“Thank you, for coming to check on me” Rachel said when she saw him.

“It's okay” Vicky said and tried to say what he wanted to. “Rachel, I want to apologize for what I said back then. I was struggling with something and I took it out on you.”

“It's okay and I am sorry about the me working thing. I didn’t mean to hide it from you, I just thought it would be best” Rachel said.

“It’s alright” Vicky said, pausing a bit. He thought, ‘Does that mean what ever she is hiding from me, she thinks it would be best?’

“What are you thinking?” Rachel asked.

“It’s nothing. I will see you tomorrow” Vicky said, “good night.” Rachel nodded and Vicky left for his room. Rachel smiled relieved that she and Vicky were no longer fighting.

The next day, Vicky ate with Rachel and Testimony in the dining table then took lunch from Rachel and left. In the car, Patrick wondered about Vicky’s change in attitude.

“Why did you change?” Patrick asked.

“I’ve decided to deal with Rachel's truth when I hear it. For some reason, Rachel seems like someone who keeps secrets for good reason” Vicky said, “I am just going to have to trust her character.”

Patrick looked unsure but nodded.

At the office, Vicky was working when Patrick came in looking excited. “Sir, sir” he said excitedly.

“Yes Patrick, what is it?” Vicky asked annoyed.

“The private investigator has everything about Rachel. It's all in here” Patrick said and Vicky looked up surprised.

“Where is it? Give me” Vicky said and took a file from Patrick. He looked at the cover and saw Rachel’s name written on it. He quietly stared at it and looked up at Patrick who was eagerly waiting.

“Leave, I will tell you all about it when I’m done” Vicky said.

“Okay sir, good luck” Patrick said and left.

Vicky stared at the file and sighed. He shakily opened the file and began to read, his face morphing into disbelief and anger with every sentence.

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Vicky has found out the truth now, what will be his ultimate reaction and will Rachel lose everything?

Also, Happy new year Everyone. We made it to 2022 healthy and alive. May the Lord continually keep us safe, amen.

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