The trip back to Mount Juliet felt faster than when they were heading to Bonifacio Global City earlier. Aiden was extremely preoccupied processing and absorbing everything that happened earlier in the day, to the point that he was becoming anxious and stressed. Shock, anger, fear, disbelief, and reassurances – these were the feelings consuming Aiden from the inside out.
Aiden was pushing his emotional and mental limit to the very brink, having to clamp down on his renegade emotions, plus the overthinking and brainstorming he has been doing. The mental and emotional strain was starting to manifest itself physically as he was looking exhausted and drained of life even though he spent most of the day sleeping.
The sun was already setting when the bus finally arrived at Mount Juliet. Aiden was the first to disembark from the bus, but not before apologizing to Professor Domingo for any inconvenience he might have caused, as well as thanking him for being understanding and accommodating. The moment Aiden's foot hit the pavement he quickly turned his attention to his next destination – the Administration Building.
Aiden wasn't particularly assigning blame to anyone in regard to his unexpected run-in with his past, he was however, consumed, and haunted by the fear he felt that night his mother and younger brother died. He was aware that his father was grooming him to be the eventual successor of the Labrador Group, and being his first and legitimate first-born son, he was considered more important than his mother and younger brother and was prioritized more than anyone else.
In that regard, his father strictly controlled who he was associating with and who he was befriending. This led Aiden to being educated within the confines of the Labrador Mansion, instructed by the brightest educators that his father could employ. Because of this tightly controlled environment, the only people that Aiden really got close to was his mother, younger brother, and the Montalban Family.
Outside that circle, the only other acquaintances that Aiden had were his father's business associate's children, and his acquaintances are mostly made up of employees and personnel in the Labrador Mansion and the Labrador Group. Itsuki, as the second child, however, was given a lot more freedom, as he was allowed to enroll at a private school and had the freedom to associate or befriend anyone he chooses. Even though the two brothers were treated differently, Aiden and Itsuki were each other's best friend, and both equally received their mother's love and care.
Aiden had only one thing in mind as he cantered towards the administration building, and that was to immediately confide and talk to the person he trusts the most – Vice Chancellor Aurea Gutierrez. His mind was dead set with speaking with the Vice Chancellor that he practically ignored everyone around him, even failing to notice that he passed by Moira, Angela, Jasper, Mingyu, Min, Ball, Rebecca, and Alexis.
Although Moira and Angela wanted to call out to Aiden, wanting to give their reports as they haven't seen him all day, Mingyu and Jasper were quick to stop the girls from bothering him after they saw Aiden's expression – serious, cold, and unyielding – fully aware that he was not in any talking mood, even though it was the first time they were seeing that kind of expression as well. The brief episode left everyone surprised, confused, and concerned, as they didn't know what was happening.
Aiden suddenly barged into the Office of the Vice Chancellor, starling Annette who was finishing up work as she prepared to leave. He continued walking, ignoring the Vice Chancellor's secretary as he made his way towards the office doors.
"Wa-wait! President Kobayashi! Vice Chancellor Gutierrez is in a middle of a phone call!" Annette called, her pleas falling unto deaf ears as she began to run after Aiden.
"Please, President Ko-" Annette called out again, before she was cut off mid-sentence as Aiden quickly barged into the office, startling Vice Chancellor Gutierrez who was talking on the phone.
"We need to talk! Now!" Aiden loudly said, his voice serious, cold, and stern. Shocking even the Vice Chancellor who was left speechless for a few seconds.
"I-I'm sorry. I will have to call you back, something urgent just came up" Vice Chancellor said in a low voice as she hanged the phone up.
"Apologies, ma'am! I tried to st-" Annette apologized as she entered the office, the Vice Chancellor gesturing for her to stop.
"It's okay Annette, I was expecting President Kobayashi. I'll take it from here, you can go home for today" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as she ordered Annette to leave, "Thank you. I'll see you on Monday".
"Ye-yes ma'am" Annette replied, stuttering in the process after hearing Aiden raise his voice. Annette quickly left the office, closing the door behind her as Aiden watched her until the door closed.
"Aiden, are you okay!? I heard from Dr. Baltazar about the change of itinerary earlier!" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said with a concerned look on her face.
Aiden walked up to the Vice Chancellor – who was still sitting behind her desk – without saying anything. When he reached her desk, he quickly slammed his hands, shaking the things on top of it. The loud thud echoed within the room. There was silence as Vice Chancellor Gutierrez looked at Aiden, who seemed like he was on wits end, a timebomb of emotions ready to explode.
The mixture of different emotions inside of him made it hard to tell the expression on his face. Aiden was already being overwhelmed both mentally and emotionally. The sheer willpower and strength he had been expending just to keep himself sane and keep his emotions at bay was near-depleted.
"I've been compromised! I'm already under the Labrador Group's radar!" Aiden said in a loud voice, anger, and frustrations evident on his voice.
"Did they-" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez was about to ask before being cut-off mid-sentence.
"No! But now that I've been exposed, there's a real chance they might find out!" Aiden shot back.
"Aiden, you need to calm down. You're not acting ration-" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as she tried to reason and calm him down before Aiden interjected again.
"How can I calm down under these circumstances!? Not only have I been exposed, but the Labrador Group is planning to enter our own backyard! Additionally, had it not been for Manong Alfredo's intervention, Maya's suspicions about my survival would have translated into suspicions towards me!" Aiden continued as he vented out his feelings. "She's also aware that my body wasn't found at the scene of the accident!".
"You're not making any sense, Aiden. What do you mean that Labrador Group is planning to enter our own backyard?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked, a bit unsure by what Aiden meant.
"The Labrador Group is planning on investing in Mount Juliet, and they are preparing to start a partnership with us in the not-so-distant future!" Aiden replied, shocking the Vice Chancellor who was caught off guard by the revelation.
"Me walking into the lion's den is one thing, but the lions themselves coming to us is a different story!" Aiden continued, "If the Labrador Group has a vested interest in this university, my existence will be thrown into the spotlight!" Aiden continued.
"Given my reputation and current station, I will be at the center of that very spotlight! And if Maya's suspicions are aroused just by a little bit, it could lead to the discovery of my identity!" Aiden added as Vice Chancellor Gutierrez listened to his tirades, having a difficult time absorbing what she's hearing.
"Aiden.." Vice Chancellor Gutierrez softly said, "I won't presume to understand what you're going through right now-" she added before Aiden interrupted her with a piercing glare.
"Understand!? How would you understand!? You weren't there! The night that they died! How my father reduced their memory into measly portraits that has to be hidden every time he's in the building!" Aiden coldly fired back, not thinking about the words he was uttering, nor the way he was uttering them.
"Do you know how it feels to learn that your own father, used his connections to suppress any knowledge about myself, mother, Itsuki, and the accident!?" Aiden continued, another revelation that shocked the Vice Chancellor on a very personal level, "He's a coward trying to cover up his crimes and the truth!!".
"He was right there, my father! Just a few feet away from me! The anger, the hatred, the desire to exact revenge! I had to suppress all of them..." Aiden added, his voice fading at the end as tears started rolling down his cheeks as he fell on his knees.
"I wanted to.. I wanted to.. But I couldn't..." Aiden said as his tears kept flowing.
Vice Chancellor Gutierrez quickly went to Aiden's side to comfort him, "I'm so sorry Aiden..." apologizing as she hugged the young boy she had cared for all these years, "I never should've sent you on that trip".
"I was afraid.." Aiden said, his voice breaking, "I was afraid of losing anyone else... I didn't want to lose you or anyone else close to me.. I was scared.. I didn't know what to do.."
"Don't blame yourself, Aiden. This wasn't your fault, none of this was" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as she hugged him tightly, trying to calm him down the best she could.
"It hurts so much.. Being at that place again.. It brought back painful memories... Memories I would rather have forgotten" Aiden added as she clung onto the Vice Chancellor's shirt.
"Ate Maya... She's been suffering all this time.. Carrying the guilt of not being able to save me.." Aiden confessed, revealing the truth he had learned earlier, "I wanted to tell her, but I couldn't.. I just couldn't risk putting everyone in danger..."
"Maya? Maya Montalban?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked as Aiden slowly nodded her head.
"Even though the Montalban Family remained loyal to me, mother, and Itsuki... I couldn't bring myself to tell her the truth.. I couldn't muster the strength to trust her..." Aiden admitted as he broke off from the hug, his face looked defeated and drained of life – practically at his most vulnerable.
"Don't blame yourself Aiden. The reason you couldn't bring yourself to tell Maya the truth was because you weren't ready yet, and there are people you care about that you were protecting" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said in a comforting tone.
"But.. Ate Maya is also suffering... Just like myself..." Aiden admitted, feeling the guilt of causing Maya to suffer over his apparent death.
"I know, but that suffering wasn't something you've caused" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said, "Alfredo and Lucinda will be there for Maya, so don't worry too much about her. If the Montalban Family are still loyal to you, Yuriko, and Itsuki, I'm sure they'll understand when the time comes your real identity is revealed".
"Never blame yourself for something you never did or outside of your control. Always look ahead and do your usual planning. We'll come up with something to deal with everything, but right now, I need you to calm down and think clearly" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as she slowly helped Aiden stand back up.
As Aiden stood back up, his breathing started to become faster and shallower. His hands and feet started feeling cold and becoming tingly. "Aiden? Are you okay?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked.
Aiden couldn't respond as he leaned on the desk, holding onto his chest as his breathe became faster, his consciousness slowly fading away. He could feel his knees getting weaker as if his strength were slowly being sapped away from his body.
"Aiden! Aiden! I need you to calm down and control your breathing" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez instructed "You're hyperventilating, Aiden. You need to breathe slowly and deeply".
"I.. I'm sorry.." Aiden whispered before initially blacking out.
"Aiden!? Aiden!?" Vice Chancellor called out as Aiden collapsed. Luckily for him, he collapsed towards the Vice Chancellor who was able to catch him and slowly lower him on the floor.
Aiden's consciousness was coming in and out, his breathing still going fast. He recalls being on the floor, the Vice Chancellor rushing to reach her office phone to call the medical center in the administration building, her voice frantic as she called for medical assistance.
The next thing Aiden remember was being surrounded by medical personnel trying to render him medical assistance, distorted voices coming in all directions before falling out of consciousness yet again. When he came into consciousness again, he was already inside a car, the view outside was dark, with streaks of light emanating from the streetlights they were passing before finally blacking out for good.
When Aiden woke up, he was greeted by the sunlight entering his room through the window near his bed. He can hear birds chirping from outside the open window, a slight breeze of wind coming in.
"What? Where am I?" Aiden asked himself, sitting up on the bed before scanning the room he was in.
When he realized where he was, he whispered, "I never thought I'd be back here".
It was a familiar room he hasn't seen for over six years - his bedroom in the Gutierrez mansion. It was the same room he woke up to when he regained consciousness from his medically induced coma after being treated for his injuries he sustained after the accident. It was also the room he used for the duration of his middle school, freshman, and sophomore years in High School before moving to an apartment close to Mount Charlotte, before finally moving into the condominium he currently stays at after graduating.
The Gutierrez mansion was the place where Aiden made his first calming and fond memories after the tragedy that took the life of the people he loved the most. It was also the place where Yukiya Aiden Kurosawa Labrador officially died, and where Aiden Kobayashi was officially born. One of the reasons that the Gutierrez mansion held a special place for Aiden is because it was the place where his life was saved – literally and figuratively. A place where he found his second family, and where he was afforded a normal life that was denied from him by his father due to his status as the successor of the Labrador Group.
Aiden's time at the Gutierrez mansion was also the first time he met his true and closest friend, for better or worse – Mingyu Park, although Aiden doesn't publicly admit it. It was also the time where Aiden felt that he had an actual older sister in the form of Vice Chancellor Gutierrez's only-child and daughter, Margaret Jillian Gutierrez, who saw Aiden as the younger brother she never had, and deeply loved and cared for him in her own way. Although Aiden considers Maya like family and an older sister-figure, it was nothing compared to the bond and closeness that he shared with Margaret, who he trusted and confided to the most during his stay at the Gutierrez mansion. It was not until Aiden entered High School that Margaret decided to go with her father abroad to further her studies did Vice Chancellor Gutierrez became Aiden's most trusted confidant.
Although it was where he created his calming and fondest memories, it was also where Aiden's personality drastically changed to what it is now. The severe trauma and fear of losing anyone else he was close to forced him to push away people, and only creating shallow relationships – with the exception of the Gutierrez Family, though at times he bares his snarky and cold attitude at them. As years went by, the personality he forced himself into adopting became a habit and turned into something natural for him.
The complete change in personality initially worried the Gutierrez Family and their household staff, but in time, grew to adapt and understand the change that has happened to him. All of them one day hoping that his true self would once again resurface, and the smile he always had prior to the accident once again come out – until then, everyone decided to just understand and accept his current personality and give him some space and time.
As Aiden reminisced about the past, there was a knock that came from the door, before a lady wearing a maid's uniform entered, "Sir Aiden, I'm sorry for disturbing you. Madam Aurea is calling for you in the garden patio" the maid said as Aiden looked at her.
"It's been a long time, Ate Clarisse" Aiden greeted with a stoic but softened face, as he got out of bed.
"I'm surprised you still remember me, Sir Aiden" Clarisse replied, smile still on her face.
"How could I forget. You took care of me on a daily basis when I stayed here" Aiden said as he walked towards her, still wearing his uniform from yesterday.
"Sir Aiden!" Clarisse called out as she gave Aiden a hug, "We missed you so much! You never visited us!".
"Ah! Ate Clarisse, please don't hug me! I'm still dirty and haven't had a shower" Aiden freaked out as Clarisse gave her a hug, a gesture that Aiden didn't resist.
"You still smell good Sir Aiden! And you've gotten taller and more handsome since I last saw you!" Clarisse said as Aiden's face slightly blushed out of embarrassment.
"Ate Clarisse don't say such embarrassing things" Aiden replied as Clarisse broke their hug.
"Should I tell the madam to wait for you as you get ready?" Clarisse asked, still smiling, happy to see the boy she used to take care of.
"Please. I rather take a shower first before I head downstairs" Aiden replied, already feeling conscious and uncomfortable at the fact he wasn't able to shower the previous night.
"I'll inform the madam. You have change of clothes in your closet, just choose whatever you want to wear for today. Also, your phone and watch are charging on your bedside table, and your backpack is on your study desk" Clarisse said before excusing herself and leaving Aiden's room.
"Change of clothes? Choose whatever I want?" Aiden asked himself, confused, as he remembers taking all of the clothes he had to his condominium. He went to the walk-in closet and was surprised to see that it was full of clothes, some of them new and all unused, there were even socks, underwear, and shoes – all of them the type and brands that Aiden likes.
"That sneaky old hag" Aiden snorted, "I hate it that she knows me too much" he continued before heading to the bathroom to brush his teeth and get his badly needed shower.
After taking a shower, he quickly picked out his clothes for the day. It consisted of a white polo and was topped with an orange oversized long sleeve shirt which went to his upper thigh, a black ripped jean, and a black, red, and white Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid Shoes. After putting his pendant and watch on, he grabbed his phone and proceeded to head downstairs.
As he was walking down the stairs, he was greeted by the Gutierrez family household staff whom he was well acquainted with. All of them were happy to see the young boy they used to take care of and watch over, with some tearing up when they saw that he grew up to be such a handsome young man.
Although his face remained stoic, he was feeling content and at ease, being able to see the people who used to watch over and take care of him. The Gutierrez family household staff were the only other people that Aiden would allow to get close to him and give him hugs, other than the Gutierrez family – and Mingyu.
After interacting with the household staff, he walked towards the gardens, located at the back of the mansion, where Vice Chancellor Gutierrez was waiting for him. As he made his way to the gardens, he felt a strong feeling of nostalgia, reminiscing of the times when he was recovering from his wounds, and being constantly watched and followed by the members of the household staff.
The gardens behind the mansion were well maintained and was host to different flowers such as roses, orchids, camellias, chrysanthemums, magnolia, and honeysuckles. There's also a waterfall fountain that went into a small pond which was home to a couple of carps, as well as several statutes that decorated the garden landscape. The patio is located in the middle of the garden, its pillars covered with vines.
Aiden walked up to the patio where Vice Chancellor Gutierrez is sitting, watching WNN from the flat screen television mounted on one of the patio's pillars. "Your household staff is as lively as ever" Aiden said as he walked up to the table, prompting the Vince Chancellor to shift her focus towards Aiden.
"Can you blame them? They haven't seen you in years" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as she paused the video she was watching as Aiden took a seat across from her.
"Are you feeling any better?" she asked as he sat down.
"Yes. A lot better, thank you" Aiden responded as he slightly turned his face to the side, unable to look at the Vice Chancellor in the eye. "Also, I like to apologize for how I acted last night. I greatly overstepped and said things that I shouldn't had" he added, apologizing for the way he snapped at her.
"It's fine Aiden, I don't blame you for acting the way you did. It must've been tough for you suddenly running into your past like that" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez replied in a calm and motherly tone.
Aiden looked at the Vice Chancellor, "Thank you for understanding, I really appreciate everything you've done and are doing for me" he replied, his voice soft and remorseful.
"You don't need to thank me, I'm just doing what I can to help and protect you" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez as Aiden slightly nodded his head, "It's the least I can do for Yuriko".
"Thank you. I'm sure mom is at ease, knowing that you're here protecting and taking care of me" Aiden responded, "You always were the one person that mom trusted the most".
"I've known your mom for the longest time, and she was also the one I trusted the most outside my own family. It still saddens me thinking how she was taken away from us in such a cruel and unexpected way" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez lamented as Aiden sat silently.
"Do you want to talk about what happened last night?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez continued as Aiden remained silent, still thinking about everything that happened to him in that unfortunate close encounter he had with the past he tried running away from. There was silence between them as the wind ruffled the leaves of the plants around them, the lively chirping of the birds drowning out the somber atmosphere between Aiden and the Vice Chancellor.
"If-" The Vice Chancellor spoke before Aiden cut her off.
"It's fine, I rather confide to you what happened rather than keep it inside. It's what Dr. Lee always says to me anyways, it might help clear my thoughts a bit" Aiden responded as looked the Vice Chancellor in the eyes, his expression soft and vulnerable.
"Do you think they figured out who you really were when you visited?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked Aiden, remembering him from last night saying that he was "compromised".
"No, I don't think so" Aiden replied, somewhat unsure himself whether he was compromised or not, "Although Maya initially had her suspicion" he continued.
"Maya Montalban, huh?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said, "I'm surprised she didn't figure out immediately".
"Yes. I was fortunate" Aiden replied, "I overheard her speaking with her father yesterday. She told him that I reminded him of the young master that she couldn't save that night" Aiden revealed to the surprise of the Vice Chancellor.
"Luckily, Manong Alfredo was able to talk her into accepting that I died along with my mother and younger brother, it seems like everybody had moved on, except for her" Aiden continued.
"I hope this doesn't cause her to start probing you. Only a handful of people knows that your body was not found on the scene, it contradicts with what was officially reported at that time" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez responded, somewhat worried about the probability that Maya might start digging into Aiden.
"I think it's safe to assume that Maya wouldn't do anything like that unless she has any evidence beyond reasonable doubt that would indicate that I'm in fact, still alive" Aiden countered.
"We can put that in the hands of Manong Alfredo and Manang Lucinda, I'm sure they'll try and sway her from digging up the past, to keep her from blaming herself for not being able to save me " Aiden continued.
"The Montalban Family has always been loyal to your mother until the end" Vice chancellor Gutierrez responded, "Their family was close to you, Yuriko, and Itsuki" she added.
"Their loyalty's still there, as strong as ever" Aiden commented, a comforting thought for him.
"What do you mean by that?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked.
"Manong Alfredo said that he and his wife would've gladly gave their lives for us if they could, but like he said, they are not Gods, and are only people, and that there's only so much they can do" Aiden recounted.
"At least we now know that the Montalban Family's loyalty never wavered, even after that night "Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said, a small relief given the current situation that they were facing.
Aiden continued his face somber and somewhat ridden with guilt, "She's been blaming herself all these years that she wasn't even able to at least save me. It's been haunting her since that night".
The Vice chancellor reached out to Aiden's hands and softly held them, "I'm sure the time will come that you'll be able to tell her the truth, and when that time comes, if their loyalty to you is as strong as you've said, they'll understand" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said in a comforting tone.
"I know, they've proven their loyalty as well as a few other people at the Labrador Group who fought tooth and nail to keep our memories alive at the Labrador Group Headquarters" Aiden responded, his voice breaking as the emotions started overcoming him again.
"Your memories?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked, "Is it the portraits you mentioned last night?".
"Yes, the portraits" Aiden continued, "According to the person that gave us the tour yesterday, Maya, along with other employees at the Labrador Group lobbied my father to keep a portrait of us at the lobby"
"What's insulting about that was my father had a condition regarding those portraits" Aiden added, his tone of voice starting to change, "He had the audacity to have those portraits hidden every time he's in the building. In addition to that, he apparently used his connections in the government to all but erase our existence, including that of the accident" Aiden continued, his frustrations and anger coming out.
"God damn you Carlos" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez whispered, personally insulted, and attacked by what she just heard from Aiden, a far clearer explanation to Aiden's scattered-thought outburst last night.
"And you know what's worse? The Labrador Group's plan on investing at Mount Juliet University" Aiden revealed the biggest bombshell of them all, "The Labrador Group being in the same vicinity as me, is a little too close for comfort" Aiden continued, still shocking the Vice Chancellor even though he said as much the previous night.
"This is going to put you in an extremely difficult situation" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez responded, "Aiden, you need to be very careful once the Labrador Group enters our arena" she added in a cautious tone.
"I'm well aware" Aiden responded as he gave out a long sigh.
"It's going to be difficult navigating around the Student Council, the Student Body, the International Students, and the Labrador Group when that time comes" Aiden conceded.
"We'll just have to be extra careful when that time comes. We can't rouse anyone's suspicion from the Labrador Group, most especially those who knew your mother prior to the accident, and most especially the Montalban Family" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez added as Aiden nodded his head in agreement.
"We need to compile a list of those who knew and was acquainted with my mother within the Labrador Group," Aiden suggested to the agreement of Vice Chancellor Gutierrez, "It'll let us know who to avoid".
"I only know a handful of your mom's close associates, and I'm afraid I don't know how many more she was associated with within the corporation" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez revealed.
"Same for me. I don't specifically remember everyone my mom associated with back then, and the bigger question is, I don't know which ones remained loyal to her all these years, other than Montalban Family" Aiden added, exposing a flaw in their plan.
"This may be a bit more difficult that we thought" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez admitted as Aiden placed his thumb on his mouth, clearly thinking about something.
"No, it's not. But with inside help, maybe we can pull it off" Aiden suggested, remaining in the same stance.
"Are you thinking what I think you're thinking!?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez reacted to what Aiden was trying to imply, "I thought you decided that we weren't going to make contact with 'him' again!?"
"You yourself said that keeping an open line of communication with 'him' would increase the chances that they might find out that you're still alive" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez continued.
"The situation back then and now is completely different. At least with 'him' as our eyes and ears within the Labrador Group we might gain an advantage in knowing what they plan on doing" Aiden countered.
"At this point it'll only be a matter of time before they uncover that I'm still alive if we make any mistakes going forward, but with 'him' we might get an advantage over the Labrador Group" Aiden continued.
"But Aiden! The risk with that plan is too high!" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez responded.
"Either way, the risk of my survival being discovered is high, but with 'him' on our side, there's a possibility that we can get out of this situation unscathed if we play our cards right" Aiden justified.
"How long before we can make contact and arrange a meeting?" Aiden asked Vice Chancellor Gutierrez, who was still unsure whether the gamble Aiden is willing to make is the best option at this point.
"It'll probably take a month or longer" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez responded.
"That long?" Aiden impatiently responded, "Any possibilities we can expedite this?"
"Not if you want to be discovered even before we can enact your plan" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez replied, "It may have just been a blip in the Labrador Group's radar, but we can't deny the fact that you appeared in their radar no matter how short of a duration it was" she added.
"Careless communication now will draw suspicion, hence it will take time to safely make contact and arrange a risky meeting like this" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez continued.
"That's understandable" Aiden conceded, "In any case, we need to proceed with extreme caution on this. Once we reestablish contact, we'll continue on with our plan".
"Until then, we'll go business as usual" Aiden said, "That's pretty much all we can do at this point"
"I'm not really comfortable re-establishing that connection" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez admitted.
"Neither do I, but at least we know for a fact that 'his' loyalty to my mother has not and will never waver, just as the Montalban Family" Aiden replied.
"Do you plan on letting the Montalban Family know?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked to the surprise of Aiden, who was caught off guard with the question.
"No, that's an unnecessary risk we can't take right now" Aiden replied, "We just got extremely lucky that it was 'him' of all people in the Labrador Group that accidentally discovered that I survived".
"It did take me by surprise when 'he' showed up on my front door just days after the accident, 'he' was close to your mother after all, and with your body not being found on the scene, I guess 'his' first instinct was to come and see me" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez explained.
"Besides you, 'he' was my mother's other closest confidante, especially in matters directly relating to the Labrador Family and the Labrador Group" Aiden recalled, "I remember I used to see 'him' a lot back at the Labrador Mansion, 'he' would have meetings with my father, and then would have casual conversations with my mother, although I wasn't aware what they usually talked about" Aiden continued.
"Speaking of which, Aiden" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez responded, "I've been curious, although Dr. Lee explained the gist of it, I'm still having a hard time absorbing the fact that most of your memories are still intact, even the night Yuriko and Itsuki died, but there are a number of memories you can't seem to recall".
"According to her, the memories that I seemed to have lost were memories that my brain was trying to suppress to prevent further stress on my mind which suffered severe trauma when I lost mom and Itsuki" Aiden explained, "She said that me personally witnessing the gruesome deaths of those that I shared an extremely strong connection and bond with was too much for my young mind to overcome, and that any other events, things, or people that has strong significance to me was sealed off by my subconsciousness to protect itself from experiencing another traumatizing event like it did with mom and Itsuki"
Vice Chancellor Gutierrez slowly nodded her head as she listened to Aiden's explanation, with Aiden trying his hardest to be open about his experience and what his therapist has told him.
"Dr. Lee also said that the reason parts of my memories are fractured but retained the most painful one was to act as a reminder and buffer" Aiden continued.
"Reminder and Buffer?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked, curious as to what those meant.
"A buffer between my sealed memories and my subconscious, and a reminder to my subconsciousness to never try and access those memories, lest it experiences another traumatizing event that could drive me into a depressed state" Aiden responded.
"Although, Dr. Lee said that there might be a way to eventually unlock those sealed memories without my mind consciously blocking it" Aiden revealed.
"Which is?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez softly pressed, interested in learning more.
"She said an extremely powerful and positive stimulus equal to or greater to the trauma I suffered could allow me to regain those lost memories, although she wasn't sure what those stimuli could be, since she said that powerful stimuli greatly differ from people to people".
"So in theory, you possibly could get your full memories back" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked.
"Correct" Aiden said as he gazed out into the garden just behind Vice Chancellor Gutierrez, looking at the Honeysuckle that was being ruffled by the wind.
"Aiden?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked, looking at the young boy in front of her who looked like he was spacing out, "Are you okay?".
Aiden quickly returned his focus on the Vice Chancellor, "Yes, although..." he said, his voice fading.
"Although I'm not really sure if I want to get those memories back" Aiden continued, surprising the Vice Chancellor who was not expecting that answer.
"Even though those memories might give a hint or clue as to why your mother and brother died in that accident? Or as you've said all these years, why they were killed" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as a strong gust of wind blew around them, seemingly a bad omen to the last word the Vice Chancellor uttered.
"I don't know if I'm strong enough to learn the truth as to why my father would want them dead or if my step-mother was involved" Aiden confessed, "Although I don't have any evidence, I have this strong feeling that the accident wasn't an accident at all, and my father is covering up something" he continued before a member of the Gutierrez household staff came and brought two empty mugs and a pot of coffee.
The two abruptly stopped their conversation as the household staff member placed a mug in front the Vice Chancellor, then Aiden before pouring coffee in the mug. After the staff member left, they resumed their conversation.
"But then again, trying to dig deeper into that affair contradicts my want to forget about my past and move on from that night" Aiden continued.
"But is that truly what you want, Aiden?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez posed a dilemma inducing question before taking a sip out of her coffee.
"After my encounter with the Labrador Group yesterday, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it. To be honest I'm still conflicted about what I truly feel concerning my past" Aiden admitted before taking a sip of coffee, his first shot of caffeine for the day.
"Given what you went through yesterday, I could only imagine. I think it's best not to think too much about it now until the time we need to talk about it comes" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez advised.
"You mean when we make contact with 'him' again?" Aiden asked.
"Yes. Until that time comes, try not to think too much of what happened. Keep yourself distracted with your studies and work at the Student Council, and I'll act as usual" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez suggested.
"I might actually do that, for once you actually said something that I agree with" Aiden snorted before taking another sip of coffee, the Vice Chancellor left speechless with Aiden's witty remark.
"Though, before we actually leave this topic behind. I have two questions that have been bothering me since yesterday, I'm just remembering it now since we were talking about my memories" Aiden said as the Vice Chancellor looked at him.
"What is it?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as she placed her mug on the glass table.
"The first question. Do you know anyone during my childhood that I called 'Mee-mee'?" Aiden asked, garnering a confused look from the Vice Chancellor.
"No, not that I recall" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez responded, "You didn't have many people you were close with, and I can remember most of them, but I don't think you had anyone that you called by that name".
Aiden placed his mug on the table, "For some reason, these past few days, I've been hearing voices inside my head, usually preceded by a sharp pain in my head, like a knife was being pushed into my head".
"Voices? What kind of voices?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked somewhat curious and bothered by Aiden's sudden revelation.
"They're voices of children that I don't recognize, one of them was saying 'Mee-mee' and then the words 'I promise' kept on repeating in my head" Aiden added.
"I can see vague and blurred images, one of them my mom with another woman who I can't clearly picture" Aiden continued, "Every time I try to remember, the sharp pain in my head keeps getting worse, and so I don't even try to dig deeper".
"You think it's part of your missing memories?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked, "Could it be you're remembering something from the past?"
"I would like to think I 'am, but with my memory so hazy and fragmented, I'm not exactly sure whether they are my actual memories or something that my mind just made up to compensate" Aiden said.
"The funny thing is, I unconsciously said Mee-Mee's name yesterday before another sharp pain emanated from my head, that's when I encountered Maya" Aiden said as he continued his explanation.
"No. I really don't recall anyone by that name. You think this 'Mee-Mee' has some connection to what happened to Yuriko and Itsuki that night?" The Vice Chancellor pressed.
"I'm not sure, and it seems like I don't have any memories or recollection of this 'Mee-Mee' at all, even the places or people that's connected to them" Aiden said, causing the Vice Chancellor to cross her arms.
"Drawing from what you said earlier about what Dr. Lee told you, do you think you had a strong connection and bond with this 'Mee-Mee'? If what Dr. Lee said is true, this 'Mee-Mee' and anything related to this person could be someone that has strong significance to you, hence you can't remember" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez theorized, a theory that helped Aiden connect one dot to the next.
"If my subconscious did seal this 'Mee-Mee' person and purged all my memories about them and anything related to them, your theory might actually hold up" Aiden somewhat convinced with the theory the Vice Chancellor just laid out.
"Then this 'Mee-Mee' person might be someone you truly cared about, not only that, but they may also be our only clue whether your theory about Yuriko and Itsuki is true" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez added.
"It might be" Aiden replied, "My second question is.." he continued as he took his phone out.
"Who is this kid? Do you think it could be this 'Mee-Mee' person?" Aiden asked as he showed her a picture in his phone. It was the picture of two kids with Aiden eating a lollipop and the other kid hugging him from the side, the same picture that was in Maya's office which Aiden secretly took a picture of when Maya was ordering them drinks.
Vice Chancellor Gutierrez doesn't seem to recognize the other kid, but she was definitely sure that it was the younger Aiden who was eating the lollipop, "Where did you get this picture from?" she asked as Aiden pulled his phone closer to him.
"It was in Maya's office. I secretly took a picture of it while her attention was somewhere else" Aiden replied as he looked at the picture on his phone.
"Maya's office? How does Maya have this picture? I don't remember seeing this picture before, nor Yuriko ever showing me this" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said.
"Maya said that she found it while she was clearing out mom's quarters, probably the one at the Labrador Group's Headquarters" Aiden said, "I'm surprised you didn't know about this".
"No. Yuriko usually shares anything and everything about you and Itsuki. I think this was the only one that she kept a secret from me..." Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said her voice fading, like something just jogged her memory. Aiden noticed the sudden silence, an occurrence which usually doesn't happen with the outgoing and lively Vice Chancellor.
"Unless..." Vice Chancellor Gutierrez suddenly spoke as Aiden looked at her, confused as to what she was thinking about, "Aiden, let me see that picture again". Aiden promptly followed her request and showed her the picture again, with the Vice Chancellor analyzing the picture carefully and in detail.
There were a few moments of silence as the Vice Chancellor examined the photo more closely. After a few more seconds, she finally started speaking, "I know the reason why Yuriko never showed this to me".
"Which is?" Aiden said as he pulled his phone closer to him again, noticing the expression on the Vice Chancellor's face looking a bit more somber, "Is something wrong?".
"That picture, do you remember anything about it?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked as Aiden slowly shook his head, "That figures" she responded much to Aiden's confusion.
"Judging by what you looked like in the picture, it seems like that was the last picture of you that was taken as a member of the Labrador Family" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said, sending goosebumps all over Aiden's body, "Hence the reason why Yuriko wasn't able to show me this picture or talked about it".
"Wha-what do you mean?" Aiden responded, stuttering in the process, unsure where the Vice Chancellor was going with her explanation.
"This picture was probably taken either on or before the day that Yuriko and Itsuki died" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez revealed, the shock to Aiden was evident as he dropped his phone on the ground, his eyes wide.
"Ho-how can you be sure!? There must be some mistake right? How could this picture have been taken the same day that mom and Itsuki died!?" Aiden responded as the new revelation rocked him mentally and emotionally, his mind starting to get convinced that there might really be a connection between this 'Mee-Mee' kid and the incident that took the life of his mother and younger brother.
"You mentioned before that you don't remember anything at least a week prior to when you witnessed Yuriko and Itsuki died right?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked.
"Yes, there are also some bits and pieces of my memory from way before that I can't recall nor remember, but it's not as extensive as that week" Aiden confirmed, "What does this have to do with that picture?".
"You probably don't remember, but the clothes that you were wearing..." Vice Chancellor Gutierrez revealed, albeit hesitant to continue.
"What about my clothes?" Aiden asked, his determination to know written all over his face.
"They were the same clothes you were wearing the night you found your way here" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez revealed, a fact that Aiden doesn't remember.
"The night I... I found my way... here?" Aiden said, unable to say the sentence without his voice breaking. Quick flashes of his clodyu memories after the incident came rushing back to him, slowly remembering what happened after the explosion of the car that separated him from Maya, and the reason for her long-held belief and reason for believing that he died that night.
"Yes. Somehow, you managed to make your way here in the wee hours of the morning right after the incident. You were in a horrible state back when the household staff found you" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez narrated as Aiden listened on in shock, his heart racing as dread and nervousness took hold of him, as if his body remembered that traumatic night.
"When my household staff responded to the doorbell at the gates, they found you passed out on the ground, severely wounded. You were injured all over your body, and blood was practically everywhere. Your torso was riddled with small shrapnel, and your clothes were tattered, and in some places had burn marks. Luckily they burn through your clothes" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez continued.
"My staff immediately woke me and my husband up and led me to where you were. I was horrified when I saw you laying on the ground, almost lifeless. I wanted to bring you to the hospital, when one of my staff tending to you called out, and said you were trying to say something" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez continued.
Aiden looked her in the eye, still bewildered by what she was saying, "Wha-what did I say?".
"I knelt to the ground, and you said faintly, with what remaining strength you had, 'Mom.. Itsuki.. Dead.. Don't.. Let.. my.. father.. I'm.. still.. alive..', I still remember vividly... Like it just happened yesterday" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez replied.
"I know I had to make a decision right then and there. I told my staff to bring you to the room you were staying at, and I immediately called a trusted friend of mine and Yuriko's to see if they knew any anyone who can help you without being taken to the hospital – lest I risk alerting your father"
"She then referred me to a colleague of hers who happened to be a surgeon. Fortunately for us, we both needed something desperately. I needed her to save your life, no matter the cost; and she needed money to pay off her debts. So we made a deal, I told her that I will pay her all the money she needs, in return to ensuring that you were kept alive and stayed that way"
"She agreed, and we quickly turned your bedroom here into an improvised ICU unit. Some of the members of my household staff, my husband included, who shared the same blood type as you donated everything they could to help you stay alive. Everyone else who couldn't give blood, myself included, did everything we could to make sure you survived your ordeal. We were watching you 24-7 in rotating shifts to make sure you were okay" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez continued her narration as the bewildered Aiden started to emotionally breakdown, tears rolling down his cheeks.
"You were in critical condition for almost two weeks, until you started to stabilize. Even the surgeon who treated you wasn't optimistic that you would survive and was shocked and surprised to see that you were pulling through. She didn't have a detailed explanation about how you managed to survive, all she said was that for someone as young as you at that time, you had an extremely strong will to live. During the first two months, the surgeon was regularly visiting you to ensure you were in stable condition"
"You were in a medically induced coma for almost 5-weeks. Everyone was able to give a sigh of relief when you opened your eyes for the first time, although the surgeon warned us after doing several scans on you with the portable equipment we acquired, that you may have suffered some sort of memory loss due to the head trauma you received, and probably other psychological issues. After she determined that you were out of danger, she recommended getting a nurse to watch over your vitals, and do proper wound care, and anything else that would necessitate medical assistance as needed. She also advised that we see the colleague who referred us to her when you're strong enough"
"Colleague?" Aiden asked, his voice breaking, tears rolling down his eyes.
"Yes, mine and your mom's trusted friend, and your therapist – Dr. Jenina Lee"
"Dr. Lee.. Knew my mom...?" Aiden asked, "Why.. Why didn't she mention anything?"
"Dr. Lee and I agreed that we weren't going to tell you until the time was right, since she was concerned about your mental state. Although no major psychological issue was found on your first and follow-up sessions, she was worried that you might fall into depression and affect your psychological well-being if we told you too soon. She said that for someone as young as you to have witnessed something so gruesome happen to your loved ones, she was surprised that you weren't severely affected by the PTSD, and said that your mental endurance was strong, but she wanted to wait until you've fully matured, physically, emotionally, and psychologically before we tell you" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez revealed.
"And when did you both plan on telling me all of this?" Aiden said, sniffing as he wiped his tears from his eyes and cheeks, disappointed, but was able to comprehend the reasoning behind their actions.
"Yuriko and Itsuki's 10th Death Anniversary" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said, her eyes softening. Aiden was left speechless, he was not aware that it was only a matter of time before Dr. Lee and Vice Chancellor Gutierrez was going to open up a dark and painful chapter of the most tragic night of his life.
Aiden, however, did not feel any anger or animosity towards that decision, rather, he was glad that Vice Chancellor Gutierrez told him sooner, rather than later, since he strongly believes that it would help him confront the upcoming tragic milestone in his life well prepared both emotionally and mentally.
"And who was the surgeon who saved my life?" Aiden followed up, but Vice Chancellor Gutierrez could only look away, as if there was a bad news awaiting him.
"The surgeon that saved your life..." Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said, giving a brief pause before continuing.
"She disappeared" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez continued as Aiden looked at her, somewhat disappointed.
"After you were declared to be in a stable condition, and she gave the clearance for you to be taken off life support and can be cared for by a nurse, she resigned her position at the hospital she and Dr. Lee used to work at. She used the money that she received to pay off her debts and change her given name. Ever since then Dr. Lee hasn't been able to get in touch with her. Although she and I agreed that it was for the best, given the gravity of the situation back then. Though I had my misgivings about her outing you to your father, but the fact that he hasn't realized you're still alive is evidence enough that she kept the secret"
"When she realized who you were, she was hesitant to treat you, but she took the risk anyways saying that she cannot let a child like you die, knowing that she has the ability to try and save you. To which she did, and here you are today. I tried at some point to try and locate her, but she managed to erase most of her history and until now, Dr. Lee and I doesn't know where she's at or how she's doing"
"Does 'he' know about all of this?" Aiden asked.
"He does. After he accidentally discovered that you were still alive, Dr. Lee and I reluctantly told 'him' everything from when we found you at my front gate. Since then, 'he' offered his unyielding support and commitment to keeping your survival a secret from your father and keep a close eye on what was happening at the Labrador Group. It wasn't until your sophomore year when you saw 'him' last and decided to break off any contact, justifying it as being too much of a risk that you might be discovered if they track his communications, movements, and actions. Although 'he' was disappointed with your decision, 'he' thought that it was the wise course of action to take at that time, agreeing with your assessment of the risk involved by keeping contact"
"I doubt 'he' would refuse any effort from us to reach him, though 'he' would probably be treading cautiously if the Labrador Group does plan on investing at Mount Juliet. If the Labrador Group is active within Mount Juliet, it would be extremely difficult to contact 'him' even more so to meet with 'him'. Although it wouldn't raise any suspicions for me to interact with 'him', doing so in an abnormally high frequency will certainly raise suspicions, and if they start investigating that, it would no doubt lead straight back to you. Although Yuriko and Itsuki being killed is still a working theory, if that really is the case, I'm sure whoever was behind their deaths, whether it was Carlos or Clara, would probably want to see you dead as well, and Carlos will be hellbent on hunting down anyone and everyone who knew about this, or have associated with you for all these years, and you and I both know what your father is capable of doing"
"I'm well aware, but the Labrador Group has already backed us up in a corner without them even knowing. Most of our viable options have been exhausted, this is the only remaining option that we have, albeit risky, it's a safer path than just waiting for us to be discovered" Aiden argued, as he managed to mostly return to his normal expression, although his eyes and nose were still red.
"Like you said, until we can arrange a meeting with 'him', I'll try not to think too much of what happened, and I'll keep myself distracted with my studies and work at the Student Council, and you'll act as usual" Aiden reiterated their earlier conversation.
"That's what we'll do, and the only thing we can do" he added before giving a long sigh, somewhat drained of energy from their serious and somber talk – as well as the revelation about that night he didn't know.
"Speaking of distractions, how is it going with you and Mr. Nontanakorn?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez suddenly asked, completely pivoting the theme of their conversation from Aiden's tragic past to his uncharacteristically amusing and lively present, causing Aiden to respond with a deathly and piercing glare.
"You're seriously bringing up that Thammasat kid now!?" Aiden asked, somewhat irritated, but his mind now detached from the more serious tone of their previous conversation.
"I mean, it's a good pivot from our previous discussion right?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez chuckled much to the annoyance of Aiden, though he doesn't want to admit that she had a point.
"Of all the things you can ask me, you have to bring him up of all people" Aiden sighed.
"Well, we did agree on keeping yourself distracted and me acting as usual right?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez countered.
"I said studies and Student Council work, not that annoying Thammasat kid" Aiden responded wittingly.
"Technically, Mr. Nontanakorn is part of your work at the Student Council" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez responded in an equally witty manner.
Aiden gave out a defeated sighed, "If he's going to be our next topic of discussion, I might as well oblige. I rather get this over quickly".
"We really haven't been talking since Ball and Mingyu's acquittal from the Student Court last week" Aiden finally opened up, a personal issue that has been bothering him even before the field trip happened.
"Am I sensing some lover's quarrel here?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez teased, causing Aiden to lightly blush, "He seems like a good kid, you really should get along with him".
"No way in hell, and it's not a lover's quarrel!" Aiden defensively responded.
"Though, I guess I may have gone too far when I slapped him inside the Student Court" Aiden admitted to the surprise of Vice Chancellor Gutierrez who immediately face palmed, "Since then it feels like he's been avoiding me or something, and I haven't had the chance to talk to him with everything that's going on".
"Oh my God, Aiden! You slapped him!? You can't just go around campus slapping people! Especially an International Student, and the International Student Representative at that!" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez dramatically overreacted.
"Hey! I don't go around slapping people in the face!" Aiden retorted, "Stop exaggerating things!"
"Are you sure it wasn't the kiss that made him stop talking to you!? Maybe it's the kiss! It's the kiss right!?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez responded teasingly.
"Hah!?" Aiden reacted strongly, "If anything I should be the one avoiding him for kissing me in front of everybody!" he added, his face flustered. "So, no! It wasn't the kiss! Stop pestering me you old hag!"
Sensing that Aiden was almost back to his normal self, and he was starting to get flustered, the Vice Chancellor changed the topic of their discussion again. "I see you've found a nice outfit for the day".
"You need to stop pivoting from one topic to the next" Aiden sighed.
"Does that mean you want to talk about Mr. Nontanakorn more?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked with a teasing smile, "I don't mind talking more about him with you".
"You know what, never mind" Aiden responded, forcing an awkwardly fake laughter.
"Speaking of my outfit, did you keep my closet stocked all these years?" Aiden continued as he looked at the Vice Chancellor, "Also, my room was exactly the same as how I left it" he added .
Vice Chancellor Gutierrez chuckled at Aiden's reaction and willingness to change the topic of discussion before responding, "I did. After you moved out I've been stocking your closet just in case you visit us"
"I also instructed Clarisse to keep your room clean and maintained, just in case you did drop by" she added with a smile on her face, to Aiden's subtle gratitude.
"You didn't have to do that you know. Also, if you've been doing this since I left, why does the things in my closet seem like most of them are new?" Aiden asked.
"The clothes that have gotten small or may have gone of style I usually just give to the household staff or donate it to charity. I make sure that most of the clothes in your closet are in-fashion" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez confessed, "You and your mom always were fashionable, you might as well carry the tradition".
"Thank you for being so considerate" Aiden said somewhat sarcastically, "I'm impressed you know the type of fashion that I prefer and the type of apparel that I would wear"
"But then again, you're not the person to know the latest fashion trends for my age group" he added.
"I had a little help with that last part" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez replied as Aiden rolled his eyes.
"It was Ate Marge wasn't it?" Aiden said as the Vice Chancellor replied with a chuckle, "I knew it".
"Have I ever told you that it bothers me that you know me a little too well?" he continued.
"I've known you since you were born, plus you lived with us for a few years. Of course I'd know the kind of things you like" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez responded.
"Right" Aiden replied, his face turning somewhat serious, "Anyways, how did everything go with the joint announcement by the Music Club and Student Council yesterday?" Aiden asked before Vice Chancellor Gutierrez gestured at Aiden to look at the television screen, unpausing the video as WNN played the joint announcement made by the Student Council and the Music Club regarding the Battle of the Bands Festival.
"It seems like they managed well" Aiden admitted to the delight of Vice Chancellor Gutierrez.
"I guess I was wrong when I said 'You're putting too much faith on my officers'. Then again, I'd rather be proven wrong than be proven right" he added.
"Do you have any reports with the Student Body reaction to the announcement?" Aiden further inquired.
"I don't have much, that's probably something you should ask your officers. The Student Council does monitor the Student Body a lot more than the administration does" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez replied.
"I guess you're right. I'll reach out to them later in the day, and probably check my emails so I can catch up on any work that I have missed during my absence" Aiden replied, his stoic expression, and workaholic-self back to normal to the subtle relief of Vice Chancellor Gutierrez.
As the two were having their conversation, two members of the household staff approached the patio carrying trays with food and drinks. The smell immediately caught Aiden's attention since it was the smell of his favorite breakfast – Garlic Rice, Beef Tapa, Corned Beef and Tocino.
The two staff placed a plate of Garlic Rice, Beef Tapa, Corned Beef, Tocino, and Sunny side up eggs on the table, along with plates, utensils, glasses, a pot of coffee, a pitcher of water, and orange juice.
"Thank you Manang" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said, "All of you can eat breakfast as well, let everyone else know" she added as the two staff members returned inside.
"What is this?" Aiden asked a bit surprised with all the food that was brought out.
"If you plan on working all day today, you might as well eat up" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as she had all of Aiden's favorite food prepared for breakfast.
"You do know I don't eat breakfast, right?" Aiden said just as his stomach started growling, "Well, maybe just a little bit" he doubled back before pouring himself another cup of coffee.
"I'm actually surprised you still know what my favorite things to eat for breakfast are" Aiden admitted as he started putting food on his plate.
"How could I forget, you always ask me to have these made for breakfast back when you still lived here" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez chuckled.
"Touché" Aiden replied before he started eating. Him and the Vice Chancellor spent another hour outside, enjoying their breakfast and the refreshing atmosphere outside.
After eating breakfast, Aiden returned to his room where he started using his MacBook to check on his emails and work on things he wasn't able to do due to his absence the previous day. As he was checking his email, he also received a response from Director Guerrero regarding the International Student Outing draft proposal he submitted in the middle of the week.
There were also emails sent to him by Grace, Moira, Angela, his Chiefs-of-Staffs from his other extra curriculars which he quickly reviewed. He also received an email from Oscar, reminding him of the promised exclusive interview with Min in exchange for his cooperation at their first press briefing – a promise that Aiden had almost completely forgotten. He also received an email from the long-lost Freshman Council President who finally emailed him and explained the situation for their radio-silence and inactivity since the academic year started, an email that Aiden replied with an invitation for a meeting.
Aiden spent the rest of his morning and the early afternoon cooped up in his room to respond to all the emails he received, as well as read the reports for the events that happened yesterday. He was deep into his work that he didn't realize that it was already 14:40 in the afternoon when he finished everything that he needed to do for all his extracurriculars. Realizing the time, he got up from his chair and stretched a little before heading to the bathroom to wash his face.
After washing his face and patting it dry, he looked himself at the mirror in front of him, reflecting on the discussion that he had with the Vice Chancellor earlier that day. As he reflected on his past, he removed his pendant from around his neck and placed it on his hand, memories of his mother and brother flashing in his head, before the image of the incident took over.
Aiden doesn't have any memories about receiving the pendant, or the significance it held until after he noticed it around his neck after recovering enough from his injuries where he could move about. It was Vice Chancellor Gutierrez who explained to him that he received it from his mother a few days before his 9th birthday. The Vice Chancellor also explained to him that his brother also received one, and that those pendants were proof of their identity, lineage, and bloodline – as indicated on their initials etched on it.
Although she was not present when Aiden and Itsuki received the pendants, Vice Chancellor Gutierrez was aware of their existence and significance as Yuriko has been confiding to her about the pendants weeks before she presented it to her sons. Only a handful of people knew about the pendants and their significance other than Yuriko and Vice Chancellor Gutierrez; Carlos Labrador, Dr. Jenina Lee, the Montalban family, a select few senior executives at the Labrador Group, and the security detail assigned to protect Yuriko, Itsuki, and Aiden.
Although a proof of his identity, lineage, and bloodline – all of which he renounced and abandoned the night his mother and younger brother died - Aiden still holds unto it as it held extreme sentimental value to him, being the last thing his mother gave him before she died. It was a double-edged sword for him, although it reminds him of the memories he had with his mother and younger brother, it also reminded him of the tragedy that took them away from him, as well as the name he had since long abandoned.
Since Aiden lost parts of his memories a week prior to the incident due to the trauma he received, his memories after the accident were also hazy and cloudy. The only memories he actually remembers that started at the Gutierrez Mansion was his time recovering, weeks after his condition was stabilized. Hence the revelation by Vice Chancellor Gutierrez came as a huge shock to him, more so now that they actually uncovered a probable lead to the accident in the form of 'Mee-Mee' and the picture that Aiden has.
Aiden's reminiscing was interrupted when he heard knocking on his door. He quickly put his pendant back on, leaving it outside of his shirt instead of putting it inside like he normally does. When he opened the door, he was surprised to see Clarisse carrying a tray with a large cup of coffee, and cheesecake.
"Ate Clarisse, what is this?" Aiden asked, curious to what the snack was for.
"Madam Aurea wanted me to take you some cake and coffee, she said that you might need the caffeine and the sugar since you've been busy working on school related stuff" Clarisse explained as Aiden lightly snorted in response.
"Thank you Ate Clarisse" Aiden said as he took the cup of coffee, the cheesecake, and utensils of the tray.
"Will you be needing anything else Sir Aiden?" Clarisse asked as Aiden softly shook his head in response. Clarisse then excused herself as she closed the door to Aiden's room, leaving him to enjoy the small afternoon snack that the Vice Chancellor had sent. Unsurprisingly, Aiden immediately eyed the coffee over the cake, craving a dose of caffeine in his body after drowning himself with work.
Aiden sat back down on his chair, still holding his cup, savoring the warm black coffee he was drinking. He then took a piece out of the cheesecake before putting his earphones on and started playing his usual "Study Music", which was mostly BTS songs.
Aiden has two completely different approach when he deals with his extracurricular work - mostly related to the Student Council – and his academics. Aiden can focus, and work with more efficiency in an almost deafening silence when it comes to his extracurriculars; the latter, he can concentrate and absorb more information when he listens to background music while reading and doing homework for his classes.
Although a bit behind on his academics – as Aiden likes to assume all the time – due to his extensive number of extracurriculars he has, it wasn't enough to put a dent on his grades whatsoever. However, being somewhat of a paranoid, he tends to work on his homework long before they are due and read class materials usually five to seven chapters in advance and write down ridiculously meticulous, neat, and organized notes on each and every chapters. He also does any extra credit opportunities that his professors post on Canvas – Mount Juliet and Mount Charlotte's official learning management system.
Since both Mount Charlotte and Mount Juliet completely phased out the use of physical books – the first academic institutes in the Philippines to do so – Aiden has developed this habit of printing out important pages in each chapter of his e-books, attaching his notes on those chapters, and compiling all of them in separate binders for each of his classes for the semester – like his World History class binder he lent Bank.
Aiden was surprised when he noticed that it was already 22:25. He was so focused and pre-occupied with studying that he didn't notice that time flew by so fast, and with no interruptions from anybody during that time, he wasn't able to track how long he has been studying. It didn't help that he closed the curtains and blocked off the natural light coming into his room, hence failing to notice that it was already dark.
He was somewhat irked by the fact that he probably won't get to the train station in time before they cease operations for the day. Although he could stay another night at the Gutierrez Mansion, or even ask the Vice Chancellor to have one of her household staff take him home, he was in no mood to further impose on them – even more so after learning that he was saved by both the Gutierrez family and their household staff from an almost imminent death – an indebtedness he can never hope to repay.
"I guess I really got into it" Aiden commented, giving out a frustrated sigh as he removed his earphones before getting up from his chair, stretching for a bit before leaving his room to head downstairs and see if anyone was still awake, wanting to at least inform someone that he will probably leave in a few minutes or so once he finished getting his stuff ready.
He walked down the stairs which led him to the living room, and to his surprise, the Vice Chancellor was sitting on the couch, working on her cross stitching – her favorite pastime and hobby. The members of the household staff were also still awake, just having finished their dinner in the kitchen, which was adjacent to the living room, and can be seen from where Aiden is standing.
"Oh! Aiden, you're awake!" Vice Chancellor called out.
"I was never asleep to begin with" Aiden responded in a snarky tone as he walked towards where the Vice Chancellor is sitting at. The members of the household staff turned their attention to him after hearing the Vice Chancellor call out to him.
"We thought you were, that's why we didn't disturb you. Did you want something to eat?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked as Aiden sat on the chair adjacent to where she was seating.
"No. Actually, I was just going to let you know that I'll be leaving after I get my stuff packed" Aiden said somewhat disappointing the Vice Chancellor, somewhat hoping that he would stay another night.
"Are you sure you want to still go home at this time?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked, worried that Aiden was still planning to go home given how late it already was.
"Yes. I feel liked I've already imposed on all of you already, and I feel like I've overstayed my welcome" Aiden replied, the Vice Chancellor chuckling at his response, "Something funny with what I said?".
"No. I just didn't think you feel like you were imposing. You know you're always welcome to stay here any time and for as long as you want" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez replied.
"It's just, after what you've told me earlier today.." Aiden said before the Vice Chancellor interjected.
"You may feel that you're imposing on us, but you're really not" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez reassured the young boy, "Besides, everyone here loves you" she continued as Aiden lightly nodded his head.
"It probably would disappoint everyone if you do leave tonight, especially Clarisse" she added.
"I'm sorry, but I guess I'm going to end up disappointing them" Aiden said, although his face has his usually expression on, the Vice Chancellor could tell that their conversation that morning was lingering in his head.
"I'm pretty sure they'll understand" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as he gently patted his knee, "If you're planning on leaving tonight, I think it would be best for you to get your things before it gets too late.
"That I should, but before that, I'll go and get a quick shower before I go. I'll probably end up passing out once I get home" Aiden said as he got up from the chair. As he turned towards the stairs, he looked at the kitchen where the household staff were, slightly nodding his head at them in acknowledgment before heading back to his room to get ready.
After Aiden closed the door to his room, the member of the household staff – all 18 of them – quickly cantered towards the Vice Chancellor, who was still sitting on the couch. "You were right Madam Aurea" Clarisse said, amazed that she was able to read and predict what Aiden would do.
"Are we still going to go ahead with what we planned?" one of the household staff said as they all looked at the Vice Chancellor who nodded her head. The entire household staff knew what that meant, and they all started dispersing, some of them going to the kitchen, and some going out the front door, while the Vice Chancellor packing up all her cross-stitching things – a secret plan seemingly in motion.
It took Aiden at least 20 minutes to finish showering, putting on his Mount Juliet uniform that Clarisse washed and dried earlier in the day. He made his bed and cleaned a little bit before he gathered his things and proceeded down stairs, ready to leave the Gutierrez Mansion once again.
When Aiden reached the living room, he was met by Vice Chancellor Gutierrez who was waiting for him, "Are you sure you want to go home tonight?", she asked him again.
"I'm sure. I don't want to keep everyone up so late than I already have" Aiden said, carrying his backpack.
"You got everything on you? Wallet? ID?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as they started walking towards the front door of the mansion.
Aiden lightly scoffed, "I'm pretty sure I have everything. I have my Mount Juliet ID and Driver's license for identification in my wallet, which is in my pocket" he replied, confused as to why she would be asking some random question all of a sudden.
"Just making sure, I rather you be identified if you get into an accident or something" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as they approached a wooden double door.
"Don't even say things like that" Aiden stopped in front of the door, "Besides, I can take care of myself".
"I was just making sure" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as she placed her hand on the door knob.
"Right. Anyways, has your entire staff retired for the night? I don't see any of them" Aiden asked as he scanned their surroundings, "I wanted to at least say good bye to them before I leave".
"Well, you can tell them now" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said to the confusion of Aiden before she opened the front door, where he was greeted by the entire household staff who all decided to see him off. A plan that the Vice Chancellor concocted earlier, knowing full well that Aiden will probably leave later that day, not wanting to feel like a burden to her and the others – which she correctly guessed.
Aiden was surprised, although it didn't show much on his face. It was something that he genuinely did not anticipate nor expected. As he walked towards the driveway, he was hugged by some of the household staff members, with some patting him on the shoulders and his back. Clarisse gave him a paper bag with an iced cappuccino and coffee cake inside, something for him to snack on when he gets home.
"Wow. Thank you everyone" Aiden said as the household staff surrounded him, "I thought all of you were asleep, since I didn't see any of you inside" he added as everyone smiled.
"It was nice seeing you again Sir Aiden, come back and visit us again okay?" Clarisse smiled.
"I can't promise anything, but I will do my best to drop by when I can" Aiden said diplomatically, slightly nodding his head as he held on to the paper bag that Clarisse just gave him.
"Anyways, I should get going. I don't know how hard it is to get a jeepney or FX around this area. Thank you again for letting me stay" he added as everyone started grinning, which Aiden found suspicious.
"You don't have to worry about any of that Aiden" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as Aiden looked at her.
"What do you mean?" Aiden asked as some of the household staff stepped to the side, revealing a black 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback behind them, the very same car that Vice Chancellor Gutierrez used to pick him.
"I was hoping to give this to you on your 19th birthday, but I guess an early present wouldn't hurt" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez smiled as she placed the car key on his hand.
"Wh-what? But why?" Aiden asked, confused, and overwhelmingly surprised.
"I know you said you didn't want a car, but I was hoping that since it's going to be your 19th birthday in a few months, I thought I should give you something that'll get you around and give you some personal space when you travel" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said, Aiden still hesitant to accept the gift.
"I don't think I can accept something like this" Aiden hesitated not wanting to get something so flashy and expensive for his birthday.
"It was actually everyone's idea that I give you a car for your birthday" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as Aiden looked at the household staff who were all smiles and seemed pretty excited.
"Don't hesitate about taking it Sir Aiden" Clarisse said as the household staff all nodded their heads in agreement, the younger boy still unconvinced.
"Although I bought the car, this is a present from all of us here, including my husband and Marge" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as the household staff playfully goaded Aiden.
"I don't know what I did to deserve something like this" Aiden said softly.
"You lived, Sir Aiden" Clarisse responded. Her response hit Aiden differently, remembering what the Vice Chancellor told him about how the entire household staff looked after him after the accident, with some even donating blood so that he could live.
"If I can be frank Sir Aiden, we were extremely worried when you showed up here almost 10 years ago barely alive. We all knew your late mother, and she was very kind to us all. We enjoyed having her here, as well as you and your younger brother back in the day. We felt like it was up to us to save you that night, so we did our very best to keep you alive and make sure you were safe. All of us only wanted one thing from you then – to survive and live" Clarisse explained as Aiden softly bit his lip, his emotions were starting to stir yet again, but unlike the day before, it was stirring for a completely different reason. He felt the kindness and sincerity of Clarisse's word, a warm feeling he hasn't felt in a very long time.
The plan was hatched earlier in the day, after Aiden went to his room to focus his school work. Vice Chancellor Gutierrez informed her household staff that she told Aiden about the night he ended up in the Gutierrez Mansion after the accident. Everyone who was present almost 10 years ago when Aiden arrived at the front gates of the mansion fighting for his life, still works for the Gutierrez Family.
Yuriko, Aiden, and Itsuki were frequent visitors at the Gutierrez Mansion back in the day, hence the household staff were well acquainted with the three of them. Yuriko saw Vice Chancellor Gutierrez's staff as equals, and treated them with respect, and kindness, regardless of her status, station, and wealth – a mostly rare personality for wealthy and influential families in the Philippines who has a strong sense of superiority above those who were below their class.
Aiden and Itsuki would always play with the staff back in the day, and the two brothers also treated them the same way as their mother did. Since he was still a young boy back then, Aiden wasn't aware that both Vice Chancellor Gutierrez and his mother helped send some of the household staff's children to school, paying for their college tuitions and providing for them with whatever they need. It was because of this kindness and generosity that made the household staff respect Yuriko, hence their unselfish decision to help Aiden in his most desperate hour of need.
The death of Yuriko and Itsuki were huge emotional blows not only to the Gutierrez family, but also the household staff, who held Aiden's mother in the highest regards and respect. The news of their deaths personally and greatly affected the household staff to the point of almost drowning in despair and sorrow. However, instead of succumbing to those dreadful emotions, they made it their mission to save Yuriko's only remaining child, and the only legitimate successor remaining to the Labrador Group.
They all knew the risk that came with helping Aiden recover from his wounds, and simultaneously hiding his survival from his father, who is considered as the most influential and wealthiest person in the country. They also helped the Gutierrez Family hide Aiden's true identity to protect him from the Labrador Group, and most especially the only remaining member of the Labrador Family, until Aiden's father remarried.
Although relieved and happy when Aiden finally woke up from his medically induced coma, the household staff became worried and concerned when Aiden's personality started to slowly change, which began when he started to be able to start doing things he used to do prior to the accident. Although most of his physical wounds ended up healing, to the point that they were no longer visible, except for the barely noticeable scar on his forehead, they all knew that the deep mental and emotional wounds were still open, hence their reason for understanding and accepting his completely changed persona.
"I know, and I feel grateful to each and all of you for giving me this second chance in life" Aiden said as tears started rolling down his cheeks, his stoic expression slowly disappearing, revealing a grateful and softer expression that was only privy to both Marge and Vice Chancellor Gutierrez.
"Vice Chancellor Gutierrez told me the story earlier today, about how I ended up here, and how all of you helped contribute to save me, with some even donating their blood to keep me alive" Aiden continued, his voice breaking as his emotions continued to stir, "I don't think I'll be able to repay each and every one of you for what you did to me then, but I' am truly grateful and indebted to all of you".
"Don't worry about that Sir Aiden, seeing you all grown up and doing well is reward enough for us" Clarisse replied as the other household staff members concurred to what she said.
"Accepting this gift is more than enough repayment for us, we want you to at least have a normal life" she continued as Aiden lightly scoffed.
"Having an expensive car like this is hardly having a normal life" Aiden said as he looked at the car, before returning his focus to Clarisse and the household staff.
"While it's true Sir Aiden, that normal people don't usually drive this kind of car, you yourself are anything but just a normal person" Clarisse replied, surprising Vice Chancellor Gutierrez with her response.
"I may be overstepping here Sir Aiden, but even though you rejected and renounced your true identity, you will still be Yukiya Aiden Kurosawa Labrador, the only and legitimate successor to the Labrador Group. No amount of hiding or disguise will ever change who you really are" Clarisse continued as everyone around them started to feel uncomfortable, given that Clarisse was clearly crossing the line.
"Clarisse!" one of the older household staff whispered, trying to get her to stop saying any more than she had already said, fully aware that the topic was quite sensitive to Aiden.
"It's okay, I don't mind" Aiden told the older household staff, "She's not wrong you know, and her argument does makes sense" Aiden added, somewhat returning to his usual stoic self.
"I apologize Sir Aiden" Clarisse said, as she turned towards Vice Chancellor Gutierrez, "I'm willing to accept any punishment Madam Aurea, for stepping out of line".
"Don't worry about it Ate Clarisse" Aiden said as she looked towards him, "While I'm surprised with your bluntness over the matter, what you said is the truth. Although I don't think I'm strong enough to actually embrace that truth, I hope the time eventually comes that I'll have the strength embrace that truth"
"I apologize again Sir Aiden and thank you" Clarisse said as she slightly bowed her head.
"So, will you accept our gift, Aiden?" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez asked as the entire household staff looked at her, before looking at the younger boy.
"If accepting this gift is the only way I can return the favor I all owe you for saving my life, then I guess I would have to accept. It would be rude for me not to, after learning about what you did for me" Aiden said to the cheers of everyone around him as he unlocked his car, with of the household staff opening the passenger seat so Aiden could put the paper bag he was holding and his backpack inside his car.
After placing his things inside, Aiden closed the door and face the everyone, "I'll try and visit once my schedule at school permits me to" he said as the household staff smiled.
"Be careful driving home Aiden" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez said as Aiden walked up to her.
"Thank you again for everything, I'm really grateful for everything you're doing for me... Ninang" Aiden said as the Vice Chancellor smiled.
(T/N: "Ninang" is the Filipino word for "Godmother", the male equivalent is "Ninong")
"You haven't called me that in a very long time" Vice Chancellor Gutierrez smiled before giving Aiden a tight hug, followed by Clarisse. After saying his goodbyes to everyone else, Aiden got into his car and slowly drove off the drive way as the household staff waved him goodbye, the Vice Chancellor standing behind her household staff, her smile fading as the car drove away.
As Aiden's car disappeared into the distance, everyone returned inside, with the household staff saying good night to the Vice Chancellor before they all headed to their quarters. After saying good night to her household staff, the Vice Chancellor went to her office on the second floor of the mansion, the smile on her face no longer visible. Unlike her office at Mount Juliet, her home office was smaller in size, and was filled with tons of books, photos, and framed cross stitches.
Vice Chancellor Gutierrez walked towards the large painting hanging behind her desk and removed it, revealing a hidden safe. The safe was not particularly big but was large enough to hold different kinds of important documents, passports, and money. The Vice Chancellor though, pulled out an old Gucci Bestiary messenger bag with bees that had dried blood stains and burn marks all over. She carried the bag with her and placed it on top of her desk before sitting down. She looked at the bag, before looking at the picture of her and Yuriko on her desk, "I think Aiden is almost ready to have this back".
As Aiden was driving back to his place, he still felt uncomfortable accepting the expensive gift that Vice Chancellor Gutierrez and the Gutierrez family household staff has given him for his 19th birthday – although he admits that using the car on certain occasions would probably prove useful and convenient.
Aiden's thoughts however returned to what he discussed with the Vice Chancellor earlier in the day, still trying to absorb the revelation that he learned. Just as his thoughts were processing everything he learned about his past, the traffic light at the intersection changed red, forcing him stop. As he waited for the light to turn red, Aiden noticed the intersection that he was at, and a sudden dread took over his body.
When the lights turned green, he reluctantly turned left, instead of heading straight to get back to his condominium. His heart was beating fast, his hands getting colder as he slowly drove down the well-lit road to a different destination. It took him another five minutes before he finally reached the place he was driving to, a place that he never expected to see again – the place where he lost everything.
The intersection - where his mother and brother died when an 18-wheeler truck rammed their car – was now converted into a rotunda, the center area has a park that was well-lit, and equipped with benches, a large fountain, and decorated by shrubs and flowers. Aiden parked his car at a nearby parking spot, sitting inside his car debating whether he should go to the park or leave.
He sat in his car for a good 15-minutes before turning off the engine and slowly, but reluctantly opening the door before being greeted by the cool wind that was blowing. The area was pretty much devoid of cars and people - an eerily silent atmosphere. Aiden closed the door as he slowly walked towards the park, his body felt heavy, his emotions once again stirring. Every step that he took increased the intensity of the emotions he was feeling, growing stronger the closer he got to the park.
When Aiden stopped just a few steps of the park's entrance. He took a deep breathe before slowly walking towards the fountain located at the center of the park, although overflowing with emotions, he still noticed how the park was so clean and well-maintained. As he got close to the fountain, the sound of the water falling became louder, as is the ruffling of the leaves from the handful of the trees in the park. When he reached the fountain, he noticed a black granite block on the other side. Aiden walked towards the block, and as he stood in front of it, tears fell on the ground, emotions bursting as he read the engraving:
In Loving Memory
Master Itsuki - Born: 03/27/25 - Died: November 09, 2012
Lady Yuriko - Born: 01/28/77 - Died: November 09, 2012
Master Yukiya - Born: 11/09/03 - Died: November 09, 2012