Marie's Secret... The Children of the Gift

Episode 1

Marie Bernard Fontana (protagonist)

My name is Marie Bernard Fontana, I am 25 years old, I have a degree in architecture, I have a sister who is now 19 years old. I had a perfect life with my parents and my sister. We weren't rich, but we had a comfortable life. My mother was an architect and worked in a reputable company, my father worked in the stock market. We lived in a good house in Sao Paulo, until I turned 14, which is when my life changed.

One day my mother felt a strong headache at work and fainted. She was rushed to the hospital, where after some tests they discovered that she had an aneurysm. She had surgery and was in a coma for a month, until her condition worsened and she passed away. I was only 14 years old and my sister was 8. My world ended that day. My father was devastated, because he and my mother loved each other very much. When my mother was buried, I saw my father's life end that day. He lost his sparkle and joy. My sister and I were practically alone, because my father fell into a deep depression. He could barely take care of himself, so I, at 14, had to take care of my sister, him and myself.

My father went out every day to the cemetery to talk to my mother. He barely stayed at home, and when he did, he was always secluded in his room. One day he called me to talk.

Memories on...

Valentim: My daughter, I want to ask for your forgiveness, forgive me if I am weak. After I lost your mother, who was the woman of my life, I no longer have the strength to fight, but I want you to know that I love you and your sister, and I want you to pay close attention to what I'm going to tell you.

Marie: Dad, I don't understand what you're talking about.

Valentim: My daughter, I want you to be prepared if one day I'm no longer here. I made a savings account for you and your sister, and when you are 18 years old you can use it. It's for your studies, you can go to the college you dream of. I have insurance that I put in both of your names, if something happens to me, you two will not be helpless.

Marie: Dad, nothing will happen to you, you can't leave us, Camile and I only have you.

Valentim: Marie, you are strong like your mother. I'm not saying something will happen to me, but I want you to know that if something happens to me, you will be supported. And there's more, my daughter, your mother and I are not Brazilian. I was born in Italy and your mother in France. We met on a trip and fell in love. Our families were against our love, so we fled here. We got married here in Brazil and here you and your sister were born. My name is not Carlos and your mother's name was not Maria. My name is Valentim and your mother's name was Amelie. My last name is Bernardo Roche, and your mother's is Fontana Mancini. Under my bed I have a false floor and there is a box with our real names and documents, and your two real documents.

Marie: But dad, why fake names?

Valentim: My daughter, there are dangerous people looking for me and your mother, so we did this to protect you two. Never forget, my daughter, never reveal my real name for your safety.

Memories off...

On my 18th birthday, my father went to a bakery near our house to buy a cake to celebrate my birthday. When he was crossing the street, a car speeding ran him over. He died instantly, and my sister and I were left alone in the world. It was very difficult for me, but I couldn't even afford to be sad, because I had my 12-year-old sister to take care of.

My father left us in a comfortable situation, I didn't need to work, I started studying architecture. I went to college in the morning while my sister was at school. When I left college I picked up my sister at school and we went home. The mother of my best friend (Yasmin), Aunt Helena who was also our neighbor, helped me a lot. She is the manager of a hotel and worked at night. During the day when I needed to go out to do college work she stayed with my sister.