THE LOVE THAT WAS HIDDEN

THE LOVE THAT WAS HIDDEN CHAPTER 2 - OUR MEETING Author: Frazia Thomas Frank gripped the door handle. His hand was trembling. And then... he opened it. But before he could finish, on his right side, he heard a voice he knew. Frank froze first, and listened to that voice very carefully. The closer that voice came to him, the clearer he could hear it and recognize whose it was. Frank... slowly let go of the door handle, still listening to that voice. He turned to his right. His eyes landed on the person whose voice his mind was confirming he knew. "Vi...Vivian?" Frank said in a low voice, filled with shock and disbelief at what he was seeing. It was Vivian. A very beautiful woman. The dress she wore, the necklace, the shoes, and her hair styled with great skill, made her look even more beautiful. At that moment she was on a call as she walked toward where Frank was standing. Frank remained standing, staring at Vivian. Vivian reached Frank. "Ooh, merci, merci, okay good bye." Vivian took the phone from her ear after finishing the conversation. Now when she got close to the door, that's when she saw Frank standing there staring at her. When Vivian saw Frank she smiled. "Ooh, how are you?" Vivian greeted Frank. And she didn't seem shocked at all to see Frank. She was normal, like someone who had never seen Frank before and today was the first time they were meeting. Frank stared at Vivian, who at that time was smiling. "Vivian," Frank called her. "Excuse me?" Vivian said with surprise. "You... why?" Frank asked, and right then his face changed to one of hatred and anger. "Sorry... are you talking to me?" Vivian asked, turning her neck left and right. Frank smiled bitterly. Before they could continue the conversation, a male voice full of authority called out behind Vivian. "Andrea!" Vivian turned. "Ooh, honey," Vivian said in her soft voice. "Why are you here and... who is he?" The man asked, frowning slightly. "I came to make a call... also about him, I don't know who he is." Vivian said, shaking her head. All this time Frank was just watching them. "Everyone is waiting for us... let's go." The man said and took Vivian's hand, then they walked into the hall. Frank was left in shock, until Vivian and the man left, he remained frozen. 11:06 PM Richard was at his home getting ready for bed when his phone started ringing. _Triii! Triii! Triii!_ "Who is this at this hour?" Richard wondered as he reached for his phone that was in the drawer. "Frank?!" Richard said after seeing who was calling. He answered. "Hello?" A drunken voice came from the other side of the phone. "Oi, brooo," Frank said in a drunken voice. "Frank... are you drunk?" Richard asked in shock. "Aah... I'm not drunk, man," Frank denied. Rich sighed and held his head. "Tell me where you are?" "Mmh... where is this even?" Frank asked back. "Frank, stop acting stupid... Tell me where you are!" Richard snapped a little. "Aah... waitress, come, come, come!" Frank's voice was heard calling the waitress. "Hey beautiful... where am I right now, eh?" "Frank, give that waitress the phone so I can talk to her!" Richard said in a commanding voice. "Okay... dad." Frank said and gave the phone to the waitress. Richard talked to the waitress and was told where Frank was. He asked the waitress to keep an eye on Frank, he was coming right away. He didn't waste time. He quickly got out and got in the car, then left. On Frank's side, he was so drunk he didn't know what he was doing. "Beautiful... what's your name, mama?" Frank asked the waitress who was looking at him. "Listen beautiful... I have a lot of money, you know." Frank said laughing. "Be with me tonight... just once, then I'll pay you. I'll pay you one million, how about that?" At that same moment Richard arrived. In anger he gave Frank a slap on the back first. "Aiiish, what nonsense is this!" Frank complained in pain, holding his back. He turned and saw Richard. He even forgot he had been slapped and started laughing. "Hahaha... Rich, you're here!" "Sister, thank you for watching over my brother. Does he owe any money?" Richard asked the waitress. "No, he doesn't owe anything." The waitress replied. "Okay. Now take this." Richard said, taking money from his wallet and giving it to the waitress. "This is a thank you for watching my brother." The waitress accepted and thanked him. "Thank you," then she left. "But why did you let her leave... I needed her, man. Aah, just to kill boredom," Frank complained. "Why did you drink this much?" Rich asked in a low but firm voice. "Aah Rich, I don't drink, bro. I just had two or three glasses to loosen up my mind." Frank denied again, while on the table there were three bottles of whisky. "Do you even have sense? You know very well your health doesn't allow you to drink. But you don't understand." This time Richard scolded. "What health?" Frank said with a smile. "What if the journalists see you in this state?" Rich said, staring at Frank intensely. Hearing 'journalists', Frank smiled. "Journalists? Frank asked and stood up. "What about journalists... what if they see me, mmh?" "Bro," Rich called. "I saw Vivi... You know what? She looks very happy. But what about me?" Frank said with pain. "I didn't tell you where she was so that you could see her and drink like this... I told you so you'd know that she is moving on with her life. And you should do the same." Richard said gently but firmly. "I don't know why... but I couldn't say anything in front of her." Frank said. Richard was silent for a second. Then he asked: "Why... do you still love Vivian?" When asked that, Frank made a sad face and started to speak. "The problem isn't me. The problem isn't me, Rich. The problem... is this stupid heart." Frank said, hitting his chest on the left side. He squatted down crying and said: "I don't know, I don't know bro, I don't know why. I'm suffering like this, I'm suffering, Rich!" Frank said as he cried. Richard looked at him for a second with pity. He squatted and held his shoulder. "Don't worry. Everything will be okay, one day. Get up, let's go home, bro." Richard helped Frank up because he was very drunk. They walked out to the parking lot. They got in the car and the journey to Richard's house began. While on the way, Frank's phone started ringing. Richard parked the car on the side of the road and checked who was calling, because at that time Frank was asleep. The caller was Mr. Jonas, Frank's father. Rich answered. "Hello... dad," Rich spoke. "Rich, is that you?" Mr. Jonas recognized Rich's voice. "Yes dad. Good evening." "Good evening. Where is Frank?" Mr. Jonas asked worriedly. "Aah, I'm with him here." "Okay. Can you give him the phone so I can talk to him?" Mr. Jonas asked. "Aah... dad, Frank is asleep." Richard said stuttering. Mr. Jonas was silent for a bit, then said: "Is Frank okay? Because this evening I saw him and he wasn't okay at all." He said with worry. Rich looked at Frank and replied: "Yes dad, he's okay." "Alright, when he wakes up tomorrow tell him to call me, okay?" "Okay dad." "Alright, have a good night." Mr. Jonas said and hung up. Richard looked at Frank and took a deep breath. "Haa, Frank, why are you like this?" Richard said and started the car. AT BI RAHEL'S HOUSE The whole house was asleep. In Bi Rahel's room she usually sleeps with Freyna. While others were resting, for Bi Rahel it wasn't like that, because her sleep had been taken by a dream she was having. "No, no! Frey, stop! No, no, it's impossible!" Suddenly Bi Rahel woke up from the dream she was having. She was sweating a lot, breathing fast like someone who had just run a long distance. Bi Rahel held her chest and looked at Frey, who was sleeping beside her. She stared at her for a long time and said: "VERAA!" She said that name in a low voice full of emphasis. DAWN. AT RICHARD'S HOUSE Richard was at the dining table having breakfast. Frank also came in holding his head. "I see you're awake now?" Richard asked while drinking tea. "Aaa, my head hurts." Frank complained while holding his head. He pulled a chair and sat at the dining table. Richard opened a bowl that had soup and pushed it toward Frank. "Drink this to cure the hangover. Then we'll talk." "Aah, Richard..." Before Frank could finish, Richard just gave him a look, and he himself understood that Rich was angry. He took the soup and started drinking while laughing. "Hehe, Rich, this soup is so tasty." Frank said laughing. "Why did you drink alcohol yesterday?" Rich asked, staring at Frank. "The soup is tasty. What did you put in it?" Frank dodged the question. "So after seeing Vivian that's when you decided to drink, right?" Frank was taking a spoon to his mouth. But after hearing that he put it down and returned it to the bowl. "Frank. I told you where Vivian was so you could see her and move on with your life." Richard paused and shook his head. "But what did you do, haa? Look at you, Frank. Do you know how much your father worries about you, a grown man like this?" Richard sighed and lowered his voice. "I know. I understand you're hurting. But before you look at yourself, look at those behind you first, who depend on you. Bro, you can't. You can't get stuck here forever. Em... em just, just move on, brother." "Today is the day to see the doctor, so let me go first." Frank dodged again. "Fine, keep doing that. Also dad called yesterday and said when you wake up today you should call him." Richard said as he cleared the dishes. "Did you tell him I was drunk?" Frank asked worriedly. "No." Richard answered briefly. "Duuh, good. Now I'm leaving." Frank said as he put on his shoes. "Okay. But pass by your father first." "Alright, later." Frank said and left. From behind, Richard just watched him and shook his head sadly. *AT BI RAHEL'S HOUSE* Bi Rahel was sitting on a mat, and she looked like someone with a lot on her mind. While she was there, Freyna came. "Mama, mama." Freyna was calling her mother. But Bi Rahel didn't hear. "Mama!" This time Freyna called and touched her shoulder. "Ooh, Frey?" Bi Rahel snapped out of her thoughts. "Are you okay?" Frey asked with a little fear. "Yes. What's up?" "Aah, I was saying that we are ready, that's why we were telling you so we can leave." Frey said. "You're leaving! How many of you?" Bi Rahel asked in shock. "Aah, me... and Vera." Freyna said hesitantly. "You and Vera?! Why are you going with Vera?" Bi Rahel asked, frowning. "Mmh, Vera said she wants to see the city a bit." "So you're the one taking her around?" Bi Rahel changed suddenly. "No, we're just going to town to buy medicine then we'll come back." Freyna defended herself. "I knew it. So my visions are starting to come true, now I see you." Bi Rahel said grumpily. Freyna just stared at her mother, not knowing what she meant. "Fine, go." Bi Rahel gave permission, like she didn't want to. "Okay." Freyna said and went outside, because Vera had already gone ahead. "What's up, I heard you were being scolded?" Vera asked as they left. "Nothing, why?" Freyna said, dodging. "Alright, let's go." They started their journey to town. ON FRANK'S SIDE, he had arrived at his home. "Good evening dad," Frank greeted as he sat on the couch. "Good evening." Mr. Jonas replied while busy with his laptop. They were silent for about 5 minutes. Mr. Jonas closed his laptop and removed his glasses, then placed them on the table. "I believe you know Mr. Evans?" Mr. Jonas asked Frank. "Yes." Frank replied briefly. "Mr. Evans has a son, who came to Tanzania last week." Frank kept listening to his father. "Mr. Evans spoke to me yesterday, and said that his son, Elden, from now on will be the owner of his shares." Mr. Jonas said. "How am I involved in that?" Frank asked. "Tomorrow there will be a meeting at the office. All shareholders will be there." Mr. Jonas said and went silent. "So what was the need to tell me this? These matters concern Justin." "Tomorrow I'm resigning." "What? Resigning?" Frank asked in shock, standing up. "Yes. And tomorrow I will appoint a new CEO." "Why so suddenly?" Frank asked in shock. "This is what I've decided now." "But dad, Justin is still too young, he can't carry the burden of the company and all those projects. It would be better if you waited 3 more years, then you resign." Frank said eagerly. Mr. Jonas smiled and said: "So you do care, eh?" He smiled again and said: "By the way... when did I mention Justin's name?" "Aah, what... you said you're resigning. And obviously the chairman of the company and all projects has to be Justin." "Tomorrow you need to prepare. We will go to the office together." Mr. Jonas said as he stood up. "To the office? What am I going to do at the office?" Frank asked angrily. Mr. Jonas turned and looked at Frank for a few seconds. Then he said: "When I was your age, I loved a woman who wasn't worth it. And I sank into a hole that getting out of was very hard." Mr. Jonas paused a bit then continued the story. "When Nuru came into my life, she made me get hope to live again. Your mother to me was more than light in my life, because I had lost hope of living. Frank, the difference between me and you is: You had a car accident and were in a coma for 2 years. And I cut my wrists. That's our difference. But our goal was one: To die. Frank, I'm not talking as your father. I'm talking as a fellow man. That company you want to let die, your mother invested a lot of energy to build it. Now the decision is in your hands: to destroy it or to build it. Think about this Frank. You can't stay stuck here." Mr. Jonas spoke with deep emotion. Then he left. Frank remained there thinking about his father's words for a while. Then he went upstairs to his room. He showered and changed clothes, then went out. When he got outside he found his motorcycle wasn't there. "Haa, yesterday I left it at the bar." Frank said to himself as he took his phone from his pocket. He looked for a number saved as TAXI and called it. "Hey, Felix, what's up?" Frank said. "Fresh, boss. Where are you?" The taxi driver replied and asked at the same time. "Home, come pick me up." Frank said. "Okay, I'll be there in a minute." The taxi driver said. "Ola." Frank said and hung up. Frank waited, and truly after a minute the taxi driver came. "Where are we going, boss?" The taxi driver asked Frank after he got in the car. "......Hospital." Frank gave directions. "Got it." The taxi driver started the car, and the journey began. ON FREYNA'S SIDE, they were also on their way to the hospital. "Man, this city is really beautiful." Vera said, looking around. "It's beautiful when you're free." Freyna said. "What do you mean?" Vera asked, looking at the buildings. "A bird in a beautiful forest. It can't see the beauty of that forest if it's locked in a cage it can't escape from." Freyna said with a smile. "Our friend with riddles these days." Vera teased Freyna. So they continued the journey because they were walking. ON FRANK'S SIDE, they were almost at the hospital when the car stopped on the side of the road. "Oi, Felix, what's up?" Frank asked. "Aah, the car has stopped, boss." The taxi driver said as he opened the door and got out. "When was the last time you serviced it?" Frank asked as he also got out of the car. "Just yesterday, bro. Now I don't know what's wrong with it today." The taxi driver said as he opened the bonnet. "Oi, Felix, you're really messing up, my guy." Frank complained. "Duuh." The taxi driver said after checking the bonnet. "What?" Frank asked. "Is it a big problem?" "Daah, yes boss. I think I'll have to call a mechanic." The taxi driver said as he closed the bonnet. "SHIIT! daah you're failing me Felix. Now listen, since the hospital isn't far, let me just walk." Frank said as he took out his wallet, pulled out a ten thousand note and gave it to the taxi driver. "Cool, boss." So Frank started walking since the hospital wasn't far, just a few meters, he decided to walk. Now he walked until he reached the place to cross the road, meaning he had to cross the road to get to the hospital. _The truth is that since Frank had that car accident 4 years ago, since then he had become very scared of roads, and even driving. So when he got to the place to cross the road he was suddenly hit with panic._ Many people were waiting for the red light to turn so they could cross. At that time Freyna and Vera were also approaching the zebra crossing to cross to the other side. The red light came on after a while and people started crossing. Everyone except Frank. Frank remained standing, looking at the road, and right there he started breathing heavily with his head pounding. And the scene of his accident started replaying in his head. And slowly he started stepping back in fear, holding his head. But suddenly he was surprised to feel someone holding his hand. And right there he started being pulled across the road. Now when Frank turned to look at who was holding his hand and pulling him to cross the road, he was shocked to see Freyna. And they didn't even know each other. After Freyna got Frank to the other side of the road, she let go of his hand, then she and Vera continued with their journey. "Is this guy crazy or what? Why is he holding people's hands carelessly? Spreading bacteria." Frank said ungratefully, as he wiped the hand that Freyna had held with a handkerchief. But as he was wiping that hand, something came to his mind and he said to himself: "This one... this one feels like... haa, no." Frank shook his head rejecting the thoughts coming to him. "Frey, what's up? I was surprised you two were suddenly holding hands." Vera asked curiously. Freyna smiled and said: "But Vera, mmh. Didn't you see that he was scared to cross the road?" "Mmh, do you think I even saw that he couldn't cross the road, bro. My eyes were busy looking at the city of people." Vera said jokingly. "But Vera, khaa, your things these days." "And the way you two were holding hands. Like an Indian movie, like Shah Rukh and Kajol. But wait, Freyna, what if that guy is a foreigner, that's why he couldn't cross the road." Vera said, widening her eyes. "Maybe you're right, ee." Freyna also just supported her friend because she knows her mind. "And he's handsome too, and the way he was dressed. He really looks like a foreigner, totally like a foreigner." Vera said laughing. Freyna also laughed, and they continued with what they were doing. They bought what they came for and the journey back home began. ON FRANK'S SIDE, he was now at the doctor's office. "Welcome, Mr. Frank." The doctor said with a smile. "Thank you, doctor." Frank replied briefly. "Okay, can we begin?" The doctor asked Frank. "Yes, doctor." "Okay. First I would like to know how you're doing." "I'm fine, just these headaches here and there are bothering me a little." Frank told the doctor. "Okay... can you tell me how many times you've had headaches this month?" Frank lowered his head and thought for a while, then said: "It's like 15 or 16 times, and today my head hurt a little, so that's 17 in total." "Okay. And among all those times, which day or how many times did you have the worst headache compared to other days?" The doctor asked. "Today." "Today? How?" "Today I needed to cross the road. But suddenly a headache hit me." Frank said, clenching his hands. "Okay. Did you take your medicine when it hurt?" "No, I didn't." Frank shook his head, denying. "So it just went away on its own?" The doctor asked in surprise. "Even I'm surprised, because someone suddenly came and held my hand and helped me cross the road, and right there the headache stopped." Frank said as if he was thinking of something. "Do you know that person?" The doctor asked. Frank looked at his hand and said: "I don't know... I don't know her. But I don't understand why... I feel like I know her." Frank said as he continued looking at his hand. "Don't force yourself... don't push your mind to find a memory you don't have. Take it slow." Frank nodded to show he understood. Then he continued receiving instructions from the doctor. Time passed until it was 3 PM. BI RAHEL AND HER FAMILY IN THE LIVING ROOM "Freyna?" Bi Rahel called her daughter. "Yes, mama?" "Go bring me my bag from the bed." "Okay." Freyna got up and went to the room to get the bag. She went and came back. "Why didn't you bring the bag?" Bi Rahel asked Frey, who at that time had come back from the room without the bag. "I forgot, mama. That's why I came to ask you what you sent me for." Frey said. "Hee! You forgot? It's not even a minute since I sent you?" Bi Rahel said in surprise. "Let me go get it." Frey said and went back to the room. This time she came with the bag. "Here it is." Frey gave her mother the bag. Bi Rahel took the bag and opened it, then took out money. "Take this and count it." Bi Rahel gave Freyna and told her to count. "Okay." Freyna took it and counted. "How much is it?" Bi Rahel asked. "One hundred and fifty thousand." Freyna answered. "Okay. Now tomorrow I'm planning to travel in the morning, so this money will help you for these two or three days that I will be away. Do we understand each other?" "Okay." Freyna agreed. "Now return the bag where you took it from." Bi Rahel said and handed the bag to Freyna. Freyna returned the bag inside. AT MR. JONAS'S HOUSE Frank was in his room resting, thinking about his father's words. "Frank, are you really ready to take over this company?" Frank asked himself. "No, it's impossible. If you're chairman then after two months you'll have to get married." Frank answered himself and asked himself. "But Justin isn't here, and he'll come back next month. And even if he comes back, he can't manage everything alone. And tomorrow the old man is resigning. Haa no Frank, this is a trap." Frank argued with his thoughts. "But if you leave the company, everything will collapse. Haaa." Frank sighed as if answering. But right there he got an idea. "YEEESS! I know now. Justin is coming back next month. And once I take the company, I'll be told after two months to get married. Hooo, the answer is clear, Frank. I'll manage the company for one month. Then when Justin comes, I'll resign. And since the work duties will overwhelm him, you'll be helping him behind the scenes. You see, there will be no need to get married anymore." Frank said smiling happily, because he thought he was very clever. Then he slept after making his plans. AT DAWN, Frank dressed nicely in a purple suit that fit him very well. IN THE LIVING ROOM, Mr. Jonas was waiting for his son. "Why is he taking so long, man? Hey, Frank!" Mr. Jonas called his son. "I'm here, Dad." Frank said as he came down the stairs slowly. When Mr. Jonas saw his son, he smiled and said: "My old Frank is back." He said that, nodding to show he approved. "Let's go." Frank said, leading the way. "Do you have a speech to give?" Mr. Jonas asked. "I've already prepared." Frank said. They got in the car and the journey to the company began. The drive wasn't long, after a short while they arrived. I can say that today was a very hard day for Frank. Because it's been 4 years since he stepped foot or even saw this building from afar. When he got out of the car, he stood and slowly raised his eyes. He looked at this building. And memories from 4 years ago came to his mind. "It's been 4 years. Frank, are you ready?" Frank asked himself in his heart and mind. "Frank! Frank! Hey Frank!" Mr. Jonas called Frank and made him come out of the thoughts he was having. "Y...yes," Frank answered in a shaky and distant voice. "Are you okay?" Mr. Jonas asked, looking at his son. "Yes... aah I'm okay." Frank answered in a trembling voice. Mr. Jonas looked at him for a few seconds. Then he held his shoulder and told him: "I understand. I understand that you're scared. But trust me, everything will be okay. Okay?" Mr. Jonas said, encouraging his son. Frank nodded to show he understood. "Are you ready?" Mr. Jonas asked. "Yes." Frank answered with a smile. "Okay, let's go." Mr. Jonas said with a smile as he nudged his son. Frank laughed a little and nodded. They took a few steps and officially entered the company. With Frank still nervous. Some employees who knew Frank were very surprised to see him. And those who didn't know him were just asking "who is this who came with Boss Jonas?" but they had no correct answers. Frank and his father took the elevator straight to the meeting room. Where every shareholder was present, except Mr. Jonas and Mr. Elden. Mr. Jonas and Frank entered the meeting room. And everyone stood as a sign of respect, and low murmuring started especially when they saw Frank. But Frank didn't care about their murmuring. He walked confidently straight and sat in his seat. And everyone else also sat in their seats. At that same time, an announcement came that Mr. Elden had also arrived. The meeting room door opened and immediately the sound of women's heels was heard hitting the floor. And before entering the meeting room, the scent of a nice and attractive, not overpowering perfume came first. And then Mr. Elden and the woman on his left arm crossed the door and officially entered the meeting room. At that time Frank had his eyes focused on the laptop on the table. Mr. Jonas after seeing the woman who was with Mr. Elden was shocked and his mouth dropped open and he called: "Vivianiiii!" Mr. Jonas called that name with great shock as he stood up from the seat he was sitting on. Frank, who was sitting on the right side of Mr. Jonas, his heart jumped and started beating fast suddenly after hearing that name. After hearing that name his mind said to itself: "VIVIAN." And right there Frank raised his eyes. And directed them straight to his father, Mr. Jonas, who at that time had his eyes directed to where Mr. Elden and Vivian or Andrea were. Frank also turned his eyes to where his father was looking. Suddenly his eyes widened in shock and he opened his mouth. Without realizing he stood up from his seat. And called out loud: "Vivian!" Frank called. Elden and Vivian or Andrea were left in shock. TO BE CONTINUED... What do you think will happen after Vivian or let's call her Andrea appears to Frank? And the question to ask is: Is Andrea Vivian? 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