Alejandro's Hombre

Ch. 22: TRAITOR

"he said those things to you? what the hell?"

Chandler's pissed reaction after their talk. He felt so heavy inside kaya agad nya itong tinawagan, inviting him to a drink of City Gin at Leon Sangria. ito lang muna ang inimbita nya dahil kapag andito si Khairie, tyak na hindi nya masasabi ng maayos lahat ng gusto nyang sabihin dahil mag-iingay lang ito.

"yes. and I don't know why the fuck he said those things when we're not even friends in the first place." Xander said, drinking his shot. "it's like a double edged sword. a warning and threat at the same time. and I think he's pertaining to certain people in my life."

"it's more of a warning, Xander. yung sinabi nya palang sa 'yo na mag-ingat ka sa mga tao sa paligid mo, sa taong minamahal mo ng husto. na baka hindi mo alam na matagal ka na nilang iniiputan sa ulo. that alone proves that Matthew knows something we don't." Chandler said gravely. "Xander, it's not that I'm giving you reasons to overthink. or I'm accusing anyone. pero what if... I mean..."

"I know what you're trying to say, Chan." he said, staring at his now empty shot glass. "but no, it's impossible. we've been together for a decade and a year, and I have been nothing but loyal to her. and so she is to me. no, Chandler. I'm not buying that cocky bastard's lies."

Chandler didn't said anything. Xander poured another shot and drink. He already have that mongrel investigated so in no time, he'll know who the fuck he really is---and why he acts as if he knew things like that. ito ang ilalagay nya sa tama nitong lugar.
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Chandler on the other hand just had his drink, while glancing now and then at his cousin who drinks and spaces out at the same time. he knew Alexander since their diaper days and even went to medschool together. Xander is always composed, calm and collected. He's a prodigy, a genius. He bacame a licensed Doctor and surgeon at a young age of 26. Xander had his first successful heart surgery at 27 and since then, he became the chief of the Cardio-Surgery and Cardiology department in the medical institution founded by their forefathers.

He's older of two years to Xander yet he admitted to himself long ago that he's nowhere near Xander's sharp memory and excellent intelligence. He never felt overshadowed nor envious, because he knows his own capacity as a professional and as a person. kaya mga mas magkasundo sila nito kumpara sa impertinente nitong kapatid.

so Chandler knows when something is bothering his cousin and bestfriend. He took his cellphone and opened a certain folder. His jaw clenched at the photos and videos saved in it.

these are sent to him by their former colleagues at Harvard before. actually, they're more of his comrades than of his cousin. they followed him on Instagram, and they so happen to follow that person, too. so they saw things and sent him the receipts, somehow just to make him aware since he's Xander's relative.

but he doesn't have the guts to show Xander these things. ngayon pa nga lang, ayaw ng maniwala ng pinsan nya, kahit pa ramdam ni Chandler na may duda na sa isip nito. He understands what Xander feels. ganun talaga siguro kapag mahal mo ang isang tao---you refuse to see their bullshits and ignore the red flags, even if it's waving right infront of your face.

and that Physical Therapist. Chandler doesn't know why that person said that to Xander, but he could feel that the guy really knows something.

iniiputan sa ulo.

Betrayal. Cheating.

yun lang ang ibig sabihin nun. and that was exactly what his former colleagues send him those photos and videos. it's like they wanted him to tell Xander; but somebody already said it first. ngunit sa totoo lang, he's hesitant to say anything. ayaw nyang sya pa ang maging mitsa ng gulo nila.