Twisted Affection (Completed)

FORTY- TWO

Halata ang inis ni Zairon habang nakatingin sa dalawang prenteng naglalakad sa loob ng dining area.

"What are you two doing here?" He asked while approaching them.

Nilagay ni Zaiden ang dinala niyang pagkain sa mesa bago nagsalita. "We heard there was a celebration, so we decided to bring some food to contribute."

"Celebration? Are you kidding me? We just got here, Zaiden," Inis niyang sikmat sa kambal.

Inakbayan silang dalawa ni Zachary. Hindi nila iyon inaasahan kaya ay muntik silang matumba. "Chill bros. Celebration rin naman ang paglipat niyo ng bahay. Come on, hindi pa naman tayo parating magkasama." Pangungumbinsi niya kay Zairon.

Inis niya lang kinuha ang kamay ni Zachary at lumapit sa pwesto ko. "Mas mabuti ngang wala kayo, mas masaya pa ako." Busangot niyang sagot.

Zaiden and Zachary exchanged knowing looks before turning back to Zairon, their grins widening. "Aw, come on, bro. Don't be like that. We just wanted to celebrate with you," Zachary teased at him.

He sighed, realizing that arguing with his brothers would only escalate the situation. "Fine, whatever. Just put the food on the table."

Zairon looked upset as he watched his brothers, Zaiden and Zachary. He held the edge of the table so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His jaw was clenched, showing he was frustrated.

"I can't believe they just showed up like this," he muttered.

I reached out and squeezed his arm reassuringly. "It's okay. They're just trying to be supportive. Besides, more food means more to enjoy."

Zairon managed a small smile. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Bro, can I borrow Lauren-" hindi na nadugtungan ni Zachary ang sasabihin niya nang binato siya nito ng mansanas.

"Fuck you, Zachary! Go to hell!" galit na singhal niya.

Zachary chuckled, easily avoiding the apple thrown his way. "Whoa, relax! Nagbibiro lang!"

Zaiden shook his head, trying to hide his laughter. "Really, Zach? Can't you see he's already annoyed?"

Ibinaba ni Zachary ang kanyang balikat at hindi nababahala sa reaksyon ng kanyang kapatid. "Come on, Zairon, cheer up! We're just here to celebrate with you. No need to get upset."

Zairon looked at Zachary sharply. "Yeah, well, your idea of celebrating always involves some kind of prank."

Zachary smiled even more, leaning back in his chair with a naughty look in his eye. "Hey, what's life without a little bit of fun, right?"

I could see Zairon's patience was running out, but before he could reply, I stepped in, hoping to calm things down. "Okay, okay, Kalma nga kayo," I said, giving Zachary a warning look. "Zachary, be nice. And Zairon, try not to let him bother you."

Huminga ng malalim si Zairon, malinaw na sinusubukan niyang mag-relax. Binigyan niya pa si Zachary ng huling masamang tingin bago ibalik ang kanyang pansin sa pagkain sa mesa. Ngumisi si Zachary, alam na matagumpay niyang naiinis si Zairon.

Hays, ang tatanda niyo na pero ganito pa rin kayo.

Kumain na rin sila pero nag uusap naman sila ng normal habang kumakain kami. Napansin ko rin ang pagtingin- tingin ni Calia sa tatlo.

"What is it, Calia?" I asked when I noticed how her tiny brows furrowed in confusion.

Inosente itong tumingin sa akin. "Mommy, why are the two of them the same faces of Daddy?"