The Unexpected You (SHORT NOVEL)

Chapter 1: New Beginning

For how many years, I have already witnessed how my mom loves Tito Miguel and vice versa. And with that, I decided to let Mom do what she wants. I realize na I'm already old enough to understand her and it is her first life too. Her first life where she wants to be better, her first life where she wants to live better.

But there's one thing that I am scared of. Theo. My future stepbrother.

The first few weeks in Tito Miguel's house with his sons were full of happiness. I can see how happy my mom but for me, it wasn't a smooth transition.

While his oldest son, Alex welcomed me warmly, his youngest son, Theo welcomed me coldly.

As I am unpacking my things in my new room I heard a knock on my door. I walk to it and open it and saw Alex.

"Hey, need help?" He asks while peeking his head in.

I smiled at him and felt grateful because now, finally, on the other hand, I have now a brother. And what's more exciting is, I have two brothers even though Theo is kind of harsh to me, that's fine.

"Thanks, Alex!" Then I let him enter my room.

As we are organizing my things, I can feel the warm hospitality of Alex. He even lifts heavy boxes for me and helps me fix the lights on my room.

"I know this is a big change, Lucy." He said while still fixing the light. "But I am here if you need anything. Just think of me as your big brother." He said trying to make me feel at home.

However, the peace I experience was short-lived. Theo's resentment towards me grew with each passing day. Where he would intentionally make me feel left behind or not part of a family, but I didn't let my mom know this.

It's been two months and still haven't explore the house of Tito Miguel. Alex told me that they have a mini pool in the backyard and I'm planning to enjoy it.

I tied my hair up and wore my swimming trunks. As I walk downstairs, I heard noises and follow it.

"Dad, I don't understand why you have to brought her here!" Theo shouted. "She's taking everything from me!"

They are in the dining area. Tito Miguel is sitting in the sofa while Theo is just standing in front of him.

"That's enough, Theo," Tito Miguel replied. "Mia is part of this family now. You need to accept that."

Theo stormed out of the dining area. I felt a lump in my throat as I realized how deeply Theo's resentment to me.

I thought it was just a phase that he's not ready to welcome me and my mom, but I was wrong.

What's worst is that he treats me as an intruder to his family. The one who would take everything from him.

I ran upstairs and lock the door. I end up thinking about it. I want to have brothers but not like this. I don't want to be a villain in their life.

Should I cook a dinner?

You know, for the family and for Theo..

Sabi nga nila, "the best way to get a man is to full their stomach"

Maybe I should.

I walk downstairs and saw Tito Miguel sleeping in the sofa. And so, I move quietly. I am planning to cook Bicol Express since it's my mom's favorite dish.

As hours pass by, dinner time came. My mom is already here and helps me prepare the table.

Tito and Alex praise me saying they love my cooking, but Theo is just eating silently and then he suddenly acted like he's about to vomit.