The Art of Rebound

Chapter Two

Calex (POV)

I can see everything from here—people dancing, drinking and making out like there's no tomorrow and here I am sitting and sulking in the darkest part of the club. I wish I could be like these people—carefree.

But I can't, life is terrible with me this past few months. Feels like I'm in a very dark and painful dream.

It was just 8 months ago when I was in Milan, celebrating my 27th birthday during my second international art exhibit with my beautiful girlfriend beside me—Celine.

Life seems so perfect back then, just minding my own business. No family responsibility. No pressure. Busy creating my own name with my art and building my own art and gaming studio. Something I really want to do in life.

And of course, planning my future with my girlfriend for almost four years now. She was the most important person in my life. Even how busy I was, I made sure I had plenty of time for her.

With her, feels like I'm the luckiest man in the world. I bet my friends were jealous of me for having her as my girlfriend—standing beside me in every event, sleeping with me in my bed every night and seeing her beautiful face every morning when I wake up.

Did I say she was beautiful? It's true—a head turner, in fact. I love creating artwork with her as my subject. I love her so much.

Although my mother doesn't really like her. I don't know why exactly, but knowing my mother, she never liked any girl I brought home even way before Celine.

Don't get me wrong, my mom is a lovely woman. I know she loves me, in fact that love is kinda overwhelming sometimes. She' was treating me as if I'm still a little boy. I am 27 for goodness sake, I'm not a teenage boy anymore. I can date whoever I want.

I am even capable of building my own company—my studio that they never took seriously. I know they were proud of me, making my own name in the industry I chose but for them art was just my little plaything and they were letting me play all I want with my life.

I'm a second born child, that's what I do. I enjoy life with no responsibility.

My big brother, Claud, took all the responsibilities including our multi-billion family business. He was the heir. People had so many expectations of him, especially my father. All his attention was with my older brother, mentored him and molded him to be just like him. A business magnet.

And me, I was just his little boy, I guess? I don't even know what he thinks of me. All he see was Claud being so perfect son. But Claud was indeed perfect in my eyes. He was a prefect brother, I love him and he loved me. He supported me with all my passions in life.

Although, we had different circles of friends, we got along very well. He loved to draw too, in fact he was so good but he gave it up and focused on our family business. He loved to compete with me too, especially, sa mga iba't-ibang games from our mobiles and computers, ps1 hanggang sa nagka ps3 kami. We were actually waiting for ps4's release date pero hindi niya naabutan yun.

I missed him so much. I can't believe he's gone.

I wiped my tears that sneaked out my eyes and shook my head. I'm not a crier. I never cried, even during the day I found out that he had an accident and died on the spot seven months ago.

Not even during his funeral.

No tears.

I was shocked and in denial back then. I can never accept his death. He's my only brother.

Just recently, everything became so clear, when every time I visit our parents home and he's nowhere to be found, not even in his favourite side of the couch in the living room, even in his seat in the dining table. They are all empty.