Viviane
The last few months have not been easy. So much had happened, that I felt stunned just to think about the changes that had happened in my life.
After the conversation between me and my parents, I decided that I had a small share of the blame for the strained relationship with Marta. I never even tried to greet her, during all these years of living together. I just understood that she didn't like the situation and I started to treat her coldly as well.
Given this, I decided to try an approximation, on behalf of my son and the home that I would like to offer him, in which there was love and affection, as well as a lot of respect.
I did not tell João Pedro anything that my parents told me, since he was reconciling the last semester of college with the work at Mendes and if it was confirmed what I and my parents suspected, it would be a very delicate moment in life for all of us. Even more, taking into account that soon my pregnancy would be another factor to take into consideration.
The opportunity to put into practice what I had proposed to me arose earlier than I expected when I was passing through the door of Mr. Rodolfo's office, which had the door open, and I saw that Mrs. Marta, who held a paper in her hand, was in tears. The scene was so unexpected and surprising that I just quickly walked in and took her hand, pulling her into a comforting hug.
" What happened, Mrs. Marta? " At her silence, for she sobbed so much that she couldn't even speak, I insisted. "Tell me, please. Maybe I can help her.”
She was in a convulsive cry and I didn't know how to act. I kept hugging her tightly until she spoke intermittently.
"What I... I will.... do, Viviane?” She pulled away from me, putting her hands on her face, in a posture of utter despair.
"I don't know, Mrs. Marta... " I spoke uncertainty. " But whatever it is, your family will always be by your side. You must not go into despair, everything has a way in this life. "
She turned around, looking at me for an answer, but I had no idea what the question was. Her face was bathed in tears and at that moment I was sure that my mother was right in her assumptions. She was sick and it was something serious.
"You've always loved my son, haven't you Vivi? "
The sudden question left me dumbfounded. I don't know what surprised me the most, whether the question itself or the fact that she called me by the nickname, something she had never done in all these years.
"No, you don't need to say anything. I already know the answer. What I don't understand is why you're going to marry João Pedro, if it's Felipe you've always liked. "
"You took me by surprise now. I don't even know what to answer. "
I tried to postpone the answer to your question since I would have to lie and it was something that would be commonplace for years to come, but that I had not yet adapted to it.
"You answered me. "
She cleaned her face delicately, despite the state she was in, she maintained elegance in her actions. She was a beautiful woman, and not even the desperate crying of a few minutes ago had been able to undo her appearance.
"I've been thinking a lot about my life, the situations where I wasn't a good person, and how lucky I am to have a husband and children who truly love me. We also have loyal employees, who have always cherished our comfort and have been dedicated to us for years, like their parents, for example. "
Today would be a day of big surprises.
"I'm glad you recognize everyone's dedication, especially my parents, of course." I smiled as I uttered the last words.
It was comforting to see that she was coming to terms with her flaws. What led her to this was my biggest curiosity at the time.
"I want to apologize to you, Viviane. I have been a shrew with you, who has always been a good girl, a faithful friend of João Pedro. I can say that you are my youngest son's point of balance. I know my children well enough to know that you have always been the voice of common sense in their lives. "
I almost let out a laugh, after all, she was right. There were so many situations where JP wanted to do the craziest things and I stopped him, even if it was blackmailing him with silly threats. What held me back was that the moment was serious because something serious must be happening, so I would even make Mrs. Marta take stock of her life and review some points.
"I think we should put that aside. You were never a "shrew" with me " I made a point of quoting the word shrew. She had never been meaningful to me, I couldn't accuse her of it. "But I'd like to know if there's anything I can help her with. I must confess that my mother has been quite worried about you lately. "
"Lúcia? "
At this moment, Mrs. Marta was already totally recomposed and sat on the couch that was in the corner of the room, indicating with a gesture for me to do the same.
"My mother ended up overhearing a conversation from the lady on the phone, but it was unintentional. "
"I know what conversation she's referring to. I realized she was in the pantry, so I left the kitchen. I believed she hadn't been able to hear anything, but by the way, I was mistaken. "
She listened enough to be worried about the lady and tell me, asking me to intervene. Whatever the problem, Mrs. Marta, your family deserves to know. They love you. "
" You're right, " she nodded, lowering her head. " I love my kids, Viviane. I didn't want to disrupt João Felipe's plans with something that was just a suspicion. "
"You don't need to tell me, but I would like to ask you to open up with Mr. Rodolfo and João Pedro. About Felipe, he has already traveled and if you prefer to keep him apart, I can understand " I was also keeping him apart from something. I couldn't judge her at all.