Taking The Colors On

KABANATA 1

West Beaumont

“Tito, papa said you will come to my art summer class?” Enzo ran immediately to me and asked me that the moment I stepped inside my parents house. 

My eldest brother—Silas, is asking me to take his son to his summer class since this boy has an interest in arts and wants to try it. His parents are not available during daytime every Thursday to Saturday. It is a 3 day art class every week for 2 months. A great entertainment for kids to stay away from gadgets which is very not good for the kids health.

It is a good thing my sister-in-law discipline my nephew in using gadgets. Now, he wants to try everything that will sharpen his skills and knowledge. They are raising a smart naughty kid, I must say.

“Yes, little boy. I will accompany you. Now, will you let go of Tito, so that I can change my uniform into normal clothes?” I said in a soft voice. I held his small arms gently to free myself from him. His arms are too small and look fragile under my hands. He pouted which resulted in him looking so adorable. I pinched his cheeks and ruffled his hair.

“Come down after,  Beau!” He ran outside to his grandparents to bond with them. It is afternoon and my family always hang out at the backyard where the pool and gazebo is located. 

I just had flight after flight for 3 days and I am exhausted but I still want to play with that silly boy. I rested my body for 30 minutes before I took a shower, and changed my clothes into a simple salmon colored tee and white shorts. 

I saw my parents in the gazebo and watching Enzo enjoying himself in the swimming pool. Enzo’s sister—Lizzy, is with her other grandparents since they want to spend their free time with her. Enzo's eyes twinkled when he saw me. I smiled at that and went straight to my parents to kiss their forehead. 

“Exhausting?” Papa.

“Pero masaya,” I chuckled. 

“Well, that is work.” 

“Sabi ng Kuya East mo ay nag-favor siya sa iyo na samahan si Enzo sa art class niya. Buti pumayag ka kasi maganda na rin iyon at may libangan ka rin.” Mama.

“Yup, gusto ko rin ka-bonding si Enzo. He is a happy kid.” I said as a matter of fact. Gusto ko rin ng pampatanggal ng pagod.

“Indeed.”

“Better take a break from your work, magaling ka na rin masyado.” Natawa ako sa sinabi ni papa.

“Paano tayo mabubuhay kung hindi magtatrabaho?” 

“Sabagay.”

Later that night, all of us are at the dining table. Even my younger brother—Timog, who’s always busy in front of his drafting table and his flings, is here. The youngest—Hilaga, is here too. All of us brothers are complete.

“West, the teacher informed us that the class will start at 10 AM.” Silas. I chewed my food while nodding at him.

“Am I gonna wait for him?... Or, will I be with him throughout the season?” I asked.

“It’s a parent-children bonding type of summer art class, so you’re with him.” He answered. I sighed in relief. I am glad.

“Yehey!” Enzo happily exclaimed while his father was feeding him. 

“Don’t be too naughty to your Tito, Enzo.” Silas said with his authoritative yet soft voice. 

“I am not, daddy!” He pouted his natural reddish lips and soft glared at his father. We laughed at his cuteness. Silas just messed his hair and kissed his forehead and continued to feed him. 

After that we continued to have a peaceful and homely dinner together not until Hilaga remembered something. He starts to complain about Timog’s girl who happened to always pester him because they cannot reach Timog anymore. Well, Timog’s problem is when he flirts with girls, when they get so clingy, he will cut the communication with them.

They start to bicker not until Mama scolds them with her cold voice, they shut their mouth the moment she spoke. She holds the most power and authority inside our house rather than our father, he is,every husband is, an understanding.

===

“Tito! Wake up!” I groined as the little monster tried to crawl onto me and jumped on my bed. 

“Enzo, I’m awake, buddy.” I cleared my throat because I can feel my throat being dry. Last night, I had to review the blueprints for the new aeroplanes, which is why I slept late. 

“Okay! Don’t go back to sleep, it is already 8:30 in the morning, Tito!” He is always happy, I hope he stays that way. He went to his parents room to change his clothes because Silas told me that Enzo so early because of excitement. For the happiness of my nephew, I was forced to get ready. 

After a splash of cold shower and a cup of coffee, my soul and mind is awake. I wore a simple polo shirt, tucked in slacks with a belt. I went to their room and knocked.

“Ready, little monster?” He ran to me and hugged my thighs.

“Yes po!”

“Wow, you really looked like a tito. Rich tito, huh.” Amira teased me. I smirk.

“I’m rich.” I said casually.

“Fuck off, fucker!” Silas hissed. I chuckled. 

“Take care, love birds!” And carried Enzo into my arms. He has a little cute backpack with his clothes in it and some important stuff.

When we got out, my Jeep Grand Cherokee L was ready as we are. One of the helpers' husbands took care of it while I am using my Coupe for work. It looks just like the first time I bought it. I have a total of 5 vehicles, the Coupe is my first ever car from my money. Civic is a gift, and both my Jeep are from my money I earned and the Honda Motorbike, my brother's gift after I got the exam results.

I made sure that Little Monster was safe on his baby car chair before I got in. 

“Let’s go!” He even raised his hands with a smile on his face. 

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