The Secret Island
Chapter 78 : Martin’s New Car

"Martin...why...what is this...what...?" Celine was looking at his new car, confused.

"I want to drive you to work in the morning. You don't have to use your own car. And here... your coffee." Martin handed her coffee that he had just bought from her favorite coffee shop nearby. "A new car? When did you buy this? And why are you wearing a suit? Where are you going?" She was staring at his favorite gray suit. She looked at him from head to toe and his car.

"I went to buy one yesterday after we got back to London in the afternoon. And oh, today, I have some errand to run, so I won't be around your office."

"What? Did you buy this car yesterday? What is this all about? I thought you told me you would never buy a new car here." True, but that was then. His mindset shifted since he told her that. "Well, I always wanted to drive a sportscar in bright blue color, the one I got in New York was in yellow and another one in gray, and there was no need for me to buy more... my old colleagues always buy new cars, and I disagree with the notion of buying a new car just for the sake of buying something new. I didn't see a need for it, but this is different. This time, I can drive you places, and I can be more independent. The tube here is great, but I also want my own car." He smiled at her.

"There is no need for a new car. I got my own car, and I can drive." Celine was sipping the coffee he bought her and complained and walked around his new car. She seemed to be taken aback by the mere fact that he got a new car rather than caring about the business he had to do today. That was for the better. He couldn't tell her anything until things were settled and done. He didn't want to jinx it.

"I need to take good care of my girlfriend, you know. I can't let you be the one driving me to places. I want to take good care of you. Let me take the driver's seat, Celine." He told her one of his reasons. He wanted to care for her the best he could. Martin realized for a while now that she didn't like to be the one to be pampered. The leather briefcase in his car that she bought him earlier was already evidenced that she loved to be a giver more than a receiver. "...go on." Celine looked at him skeptically and sipped her coffee.

"You've told me that you got too much work to handle. How about that new season collection you have to oversee? There is also the market penetration strategy that you are also responsible for, isn't there? And then there are more travel plans to look forward to. I just want to help you out with your work."

"I just hope you didn't buy a new car just to drive me to work. That seems rather too small of a reason. But if that's its sole purpose, please sell it. I can take care of myself. I have been doing so for years." She was being serious. "No... I also have many use cases for it. I promise I have more reasons other than just driving you to work." He was glad she was more responsible about personal finances and now was the one lecturing him about a mindful purchase. Celine was thinking about what he had just said for a while, and then she nodded.

"Fine. Well, congrats on a new car. And by the way, have you eaten breakfast? There are ham and eggs on the breakfast table. Come inside? My papa just asked about you."

Before he could answer, Celine took his hand and guided him to see her parents.

Martin had never met any of his exes' parents. Seeing his girlfriend's parents was a new life experience for him, and this experience gave him some anxiety, even though her parents were very laid back and kind to him. They were the kind of people who were always in a good mood, very happy, like they got their life figured out. He had never seen anyone happier.

"Martin, do you know since you came back into her life, Celine is so much happier? I saw her walking around and singing every other day." Her mum said.

"Yes! I thought the business had made more profit or what, but no! Instead, all her joy came from you. Haha," They giggled together, and he smiled at the sight. His parents could never be this cheerful. He rarely sees them smile. His parents were university professors and very strict about manners and cautious about what other people would think. He never engaged in a casual conversation with them. He didn't even try. Even in a setting on a breakfast table like this, he usually just eats quietly while listening to them talk about their research.

"Oh, here, Martin. Have more ham. And oh, also, please take good care of my daughter. She could be quite wild, though." Her father cautioned him.

"Papa!!" Celine, who was sitting a few feet away, protested, and Martin saw his father walk to his precious daughter.

If this was his family, this scene would never happen. His father would never hug him like that-he had never done so, and he will not do that ever. How could he? He was the one that told Martin he was a disappointment. A horrid disappointment.

Again, he was thinking about something negative again.

Martin closed his eyes to concentrate and be present. He sometimes got lost in the memories of his past. His therapist told him to stop having negative self-talk, to put himself first, and if he couldn't be positive, just trying not to think about his negative past too much.

Martin was observing Celine, who hugged her father back, and he smiled. A new idea emerged in his mind. He chose to appreciate what was in front of him instead of dwelling on stress.

Maybe...some day... he might have a loving moment like this with his own family. Maybe he could build the family he chose.

****

"And how is this 'personal business' that you told me about? How is that going?" Celine asked. We were on the way to her office. After breakfast, finally, he could be someone who drives her to work. "Hmm... I have started with my plan. I will tell you what's going on when I accomplish it."

"Fine..." He knew straight away she was not fine with it, especially when he used the phrase 'when I accomplish it.' He could just feel it. She was just being nice and waiting for him to be ready.

"Oh, and this week, this whole week, I might not be visiting your office. I will drive you to work and pick you up in the evening, but I have some errands to run and some businesses to do elsewhere during the day." He told her, and Celine looked at him skeptically.

"There is nothing dangerous or a big secret. But I want to surprise you once I succeed. I really wish I do." He added with a smile. But Celine still had her concern. "Martin..."

"Yes?"

"No matter what you have planned. Can you promise me if there is any problem, you need to tell me? Please don't dwell on stress alone. Share it with me."

"

"

"Martin... I'm serious. If you have any problem, please tell me. Can you promise me that?"

"Yes, sure." He didn't turn and meet her eyes. Martin bit his lip and looked at the road ahead.