𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐎𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 | 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

Chapter 5: The Withered Flower

Y/n's P.O.V.

I was the first one awake in the morning, usually and I notice Alastair's door was open a bit. I peek in, and I saw it was for some reason so neat, and organized. The last time I saw his room was about 2 years ago, when I tried to give him his food first hand and everything was a mess, and papers are everywhere. I went downstairs and saw Alastair quietly close the door, holding some type of flower.

"Alastair..?" I ask and he jumps, looking up at me.

"It's you.." He said sighing.

"Where were you? What is that?" I ask coming to him.

"Careful. I'm doing a research on a poisonous plant. This is called an Oleander, I had to sneak out last night and climb the mountains. Now if you excuse me, I'll be bringing this to my room." He said and went upstairs.

"Do you want me to bring-" I was cut off with a slam on the door. "Rude." I mutter before going to the kitchen and took out what I needed so I can start on the laundry.

---

"We can get Antonio a bracelet!" Estrella exclaim. Everyone was gathered at breakfast, even Alastair.

"It needs to be something HE likes Estrella, not what YOU want." Luciano said, and the twins laughed.

"Well I think I may have an idea. Just a simple animal plush?" I suggest.

"He is an animal guy!" Miko said, perking up and I nod.

"I'll be going out and buying it." I said, and Alastair got up.

"I'm coming with." Alastair said, I was surprised. I shrug.

"Okay..?" I said, Lyka was, sadly, still not too aware of him. So she was quiet during all of this. Me and Alastair got ready for the day.

"-and don't forget to help mama with the chores inside the house!" I exclaim grabbing my bag.

"We know! You don't have to repeat it everyday!" Marisol exclaim and I laugh.

"Adíos!" I exclaim and close the door.

"You all are so noisy." Alastair said, and I laugh and nudge him.

"Of course you're gonna think we're all noisy, you never went out of your room." I said, and he rolled his eyes, we got to the marketplace, the Madrigals are out doing their thing, and since Antonio's night is tomorrow, they're all getting busy,

"Well well well! Look who's out early." Camilo said, hitting me with his shoulder, making me stumble forward.

"Ow! You rascal. I'm surprised you're even awake." I said glaring at him. He was about to say something until he got covered in flowers.

"Don't even bother Camilo. Hey (Y/n)!" Isabela exclaim passing by.

"Isabela! Busy decorating the town again?" I ask and she just laughs as Camilo was behind, spitting out flowers.

"You know how it is, I'm here to make sure you're coming tomorrow night right? I have a LOT to tell you." Isabela said and I nodded.

"Of course I'm not gonna miss the night, it's Antonio's night! Even if his older brother is a prick." I said and she giggles, nodding. She spins me, decorating my dress with flowers.

"I'll see you first thing then!" Isabela exclaim, grabbing Camilo and walking away, waving as I wave back.

"And he's supposed to be your friend?" Alastair said, looking visibly annoyed.

"Please, it'd be the end if we were friends." I said before going to the stalls for toys. We ended up splitting up, but when we met up, it was ingredients..

"I want to make it up to everyone. I'll make dinner tonight." Alastair said, giving me a smile, patting my head. Well that's nostalgic. We got home and I presented them what we'll be giving to Antonio.

All is well currently, Alastair seems hesitant apologizing to mom in front of us, so they went to his room, me following of course.

"Look mama, I'm sorry.. I was just so hurt, and in denial. I never even thought of what papa did really want, but still, I think I still need to time, I'm sorry for whatever I said back then as well..." He said, Mama hugged him and forgave him. I smiled and went downstairs. Looks like we're gonna be a happy family..

Dinner came, and Alastair and Mama cooked traditional Filipino foods for the younger ones to try. We were all eating, enjoying the food, but I noticed how Alastair keeps on looking at mom.. I brush it off. We were playing some games, and then we heard violent coughing coming from the kitchen.

"Mama?" I ask, getting up, I went to the kitchen and gasped. I saw Mama, on the ground, blood coming out of her mouth. "MAMA! ALASTAIR GET OVER HERE!" I exclaim and Alastair came. He quickly picks up mama, I was trying to tell everyone it's gonna be alright, until a few minutes later, Alastair came down crying.

"Mama wants to talk to the younger kids, (Y/n) stay..." Alastair said, wiping his tears. The kids came up, I was getting anxious.

"What happened? Is mama alright? Alastair talk to me god dammit." I said shaking him. He couldn't mutter a single word, then the kids came down, all crying.

"M-Mama wants to talk to you..." Estrella said, her voice shaking. I went upstairs, and as soon as I opened her room... My heart dropped.

"Mama..." I said coming over to her.

"I'm so sorry Mahal... I have to leave all the responsibilities to you..." She said, holding my face, my knees gave out and I drop, crying.

"I'm sorry I always kept secrets from you... I don't want to burden you with these... I'm old anyways.." She said lightly laughing.

"Don't say that mama! Didn't you promise me you'd be there to give me away on my wedding? When dad died? When I asked him to give me away?!" I exclaim, holding her hand.

"I'll always be of watch over you okay?" She said and brought me closer to her. "Magpakabait ka ha, alagaan mo mga kapatid mo.. Pasensya na.. Mahal na mahal kita.." She said crying, I was crying really hard, and she left a kiss on my forehead.. Before I felt her hand fell.

"Ma... MA!!" I exclaim. Just when I thought all is going well, I just had to lose another one..

'Please behave, take care of your siblings... I'm so sorry.. I love you so much..'