Golden Melody

Chapter 2.1

Miexha Verra

Her Pov

Every day, Kuya Diaspro's gaze pierced me with accusations that echoed in my nightmares.
'It's your fault,' his eyes seemed to scream, and the weight of his blame pressed down on me.

"SANA IKAW NALANG YUNG NA-"

PAK!

The sound of a slap broke through the fog.
I looked up, tears blurring my vision, and saw Ate Diannah standing between us, her hand still raised after slapping Kuya across the face.

"Hurt her again, and I swear, Diaspro, hindi lang sampal ang aabutin mo!" Her voice was ice-cold, her eyes burning with anger as she glared at him.

Kuya froze, shocked into silence.

I stayed quiet, my body still trembling, as Ate Diannah shielded me.
Kuya kicked the door on his way out, frustration clear in every step as he stormed out of the room.
I felt the weight of fear and anger pressing down on my chest.
I just wanted to be loved.

As soon as Kuya Diaspro left, Ate Diannah wrapped me in her arms. I felt the warmth of her hug, a comforting weight that pressed against my chest.

"Shhh, it's okay now." her voice was soft but tinged with anger. Her words were like a whisper in the wind, barely reaching my ears.

Not long after, my other brothers came over.

Si Kuya Sphere ang unang yumakap sa akin, followed by the twins, Kuya France and Kuya Rome.
Their hugs felt warm and comforting, but they couldn't fill the void in my heart.
I wished I could ask Kuya Sphere if he ever missed playing with toy cars like we used to.

Si Ate Diannah ang panganay namin, 27 years old, A newlywed. She's the big sister who always knew what to say.

Si Kuya Diaspro naman, pangalawa, 25 years old na, but still trapped in the grief of Ate Saya's death.
I get it-his pain is different, heavier.
He was like a grumpy old man who always seemed to be angry, but I knew he loved me deep down.

Si Kuya Sphere, 22 na ngayon, became a father at just 14.
He's been working hard for his own family since then.
He was like a superhero, always there for his little girl, Hannah, and he always tried to be there for me too, even if he was busy.

The twins, Kuya France and Kuya Rome, are 19 and always protective when it comes to me. They have their own lives now, too.
They were like my personal bodyguards, always making sure I was safe.
They were always up for a good time, and they always knew how to make me laugh.

And then there's me, the youngest, turning 14 today.
Happy birthday to me, I guess.
December 25, supposed to be special, but it's always overshadowed by something else. I just wanted to feel like I belonged.

"Happy birthday, bunso," Kuya Sphere said with a forced smile, his voice gentle but tired.
It sounded like he was trying to be cheerful, but I could tell he was already thinking about something else.

"Miexha, happy birthday, sweetie!" Mom entered the room, carrying a stack of gifts.
Dad was right behind her, placing even more presents on my bed.

"Mom? Dad?" I whispered, not knowing what to feel.
It was like they were trying to make up for all the days they weren't here, but it just felt...empty.

Mom approached and bent down to hug me.
"I'm sorry, sweetie. We've been so busy with work, but we made sure to come home for you today," she said, her voice warm with sincerity.
I could hear it in her tone, but no matter how sincere, it still stung. Gifts wouldn't make up for the days they weren't here.

Dad just nodded and gave me a faint smile, pointing to the pile of presents.
"We brought your favorites, Miexha."

I glanced at the gifts-boxes in all shapes and sizes, even a small jewelry box.
It should have made me excited, but right now...
I felt numb.

"Thank you po..." I whispered, trying to sound grateful.

"Miexha," Mom started, her voice trying to be reassuring.
"We'll have your party tonight, A special night, just for you."

I looked over at Ate Dianna, who was watching Mom and Dad with a knowing look.

"Ex, Mom, Dad, sorry... there's an emergency at the office.
They need me ASAP." Her words hit me hard. Another year where we wouldn't be complete. Not even on my birthday. Not even for Christmas.

"*sigh* Si Hannah Hindi puede gumabi. We need to be at our home, early" Kuya Sphere added, gently squeezing my hand.
"But we're not leaving until later, okay?" He smiled at me, trying to lighten the mood, but I could see he was torn.
He was always so good with Hannah, but I wished he could be that way with me too.

"Sorry, Exy," Kuya France suddenly cut in.
"May Christmas party mamaya sa Wayne Shipping Lines, and I need to be there." He nudged Kuya Rome, who chuckled.
"And this one," Kuya France continued,
"Promised to host a raffle for the girls." They always had their own things going on, and I was always the one left behind.

I turned to Kuya Rome, hoping he'd say something different. "Next time, bunso," he said, gently ruffling my hair.
He was always the sweetest, but even his words felt empty.

I managed a small smile, but deep inside, I felt the weight of being left behind.
I wanted to scream, beg them to stay with me for just one night, for my birthday, for Christmas.
But I knew better.
There was nothing I could do to make them stay.

"Okay lang," I said softly, trying to sound fine.
But it wasn't.
I was used to this being alone, even on the days that were supposed to be special.
No hugs, no gifts could fill the loneliness.

"Let's go shopping, sweetie. Come on," Mom said gently, but her mind was clearly elsewhere, probably thinking about all the things she still had to do.

I nodded and followed her, my feet dragging behind me.
I didn't even know what I was supposed to feel excited for the shopping, or just... nothing.