Just For You

Nine

Two Years Ago

I was about to reach Manila in two hours. I am anxious to meet Vi. Last time we texted, he was doing okay. When he told me that he missed me, I was about to tell him about my visit. But I didn’t. Oh! it has been so long since we met. With each passing minute, my excitement increased and I was losing my cool. So instead texting him, I dropped a few hints to Jasmine. That woman is clever, I have to say. Her first guess was that I will visit her. But then revealed my actual plan. It’s a good thing that I told her as she cleared out her schedule so we can spend more time together. Sometimes I feel like she is more of my girlfriend than Vi being my boyfriend.

Her life is something I wish I had. A loving parent, married to a caring man, Nicolas and doing something she loves. Sure she has her struggles but I wish Vi and I were more like Nicolas and Yasmine. I never saw her doubting that i***t. To be honest, Nicolas is rare. He and I have been friends since college as we both love anime. Yasmine, however, this that’s childish. Before I knew, these two idiots were head over heels with each other and I couldn’t be more happy. Vi, on the other hand, doesn’t like anime and isn’t bothered to watch one. I don’t mind that but I wish he would socialize with them. This is something I am concerned about. Most of the friends that we have in common are our batchmates. Other than John, I don’t think he ever mentions anyone.

Train arrived at Manila and I got off the train and searched for a cab. I decided to visit him in the hospital and then talk to his doctor. I instructed the cab driver to go to the city hospital. It took me a few minutes to reach the hospital. I went up to the receptionist and asked,” I am here to meet Victor Hugh, he was in a car accident.”

“There is no one named Victor Hugh. Are you sure it was this hospital?”

I excused myself and I opened my chat and I could see the address. I am confused. It’s the same hospital. Did he lie about the accident? No, I know he can’t. He showed me pictures of his reports. So, I texted him a message.

Hey Vi, can I video call? I miss you.

No. I am in hospital. You know I can’t talk to you. We can chat.

Oh! Anyway, when will you get discharged?

It might take up to a week. This reminds me, food is really boring. Could you lend me some more money?

I can but how will you get that delivered inside the hospital?

I will give it to my friend, Alex. He is in my apartment taking care of a few things. I will ask him to get a take out.

How about I send you by the end of this evening? I have a client’s payment coming up.

Oh sure. See you later, some colleagues from work are here to see me.

It didn’t take me to be a detective to know that this man was lying, but also why? I never refused Vi for anything. I love him so much. Why did he feel the need to lie to me? Is he in some kind of trouble? Oh! Vi.

I walked outside the hospital and looked up for cheap hotels as I know I won’t stay until I know the truth. I found one near Pasay. It was a good place and the staff was very polite. I went inside my room and took a nice long bath. Only two possibilities were here, first : Vi is in some money trouble and couldn’t tell his exact problem so he lied to me. Second, maybe he did get into an accident but was resting at home and had some issues with money.

A third possibility made its way but I refused to believe it. I don’t think he will ever take advantage of my trust. No, it has to be one of the previous two situations. After bath, I decided to take a nap. Sleep came to me easy as I was really tired after a long journey.

I woke up and saw two missed calls from Vi. It’s 6 o’clock and he told me to send money before 5. I am in no mood to talk to him. Not before I know why he needs one. I decided to text Jasmine.

I have reached Manila.

Oh great! How is Victor?

About that, I think he lied to me about his accident.

Wait, What? Tell me everything Allie.

So I sent her a long text since my arrival in this city to this hotel.

Okay Allie, listen to me. I know you want to know and confront Victor but it’s too dangerous. You are alone in that city with a bunch of cash and you haven’t met him since college other than the time when he visited you. Just come back to my place and then we all three can work this out. Don’t try any f*****g stupid move.

I won’t. But I want to know.

You will, but not right now. Just text him that you know he is not in hospital and tell him you won’t send anymore money. Watch what he says. Send me text so that I and Nicholas can know.

Okay, I will say that you decided to check on him as I asked you. But you didn’t find any record of him in that hospital. Then I will ask him.

Yes, that’s good, do that. Update me on getting his response.

I am glad I told her. She is right, I have never been in this city and I barely know any of his friends, co-workers. It’s risky, though I don’t think he can harm me in any way. Tears started forming in my eyes. Am I so naïve that he could manipulate me so easily? I loved him, I trusted him and this is what I get. I really wish it's not what it looks like. I really wish he lied because he couldn't share his problem. I have never imagined a world without him, ever since our first date. With a heavy heart, I decided to text him and confront him.