The Brother

First Day

"Oh I fell asleep, it's morning already" reaching for his cellphone the time is 6:30 am. Francis opened the window and looked outside "gotta get to dad" but suddenly his stomach felt empty. "I'm hungry need something to eat" hurriedly prepared himself and went down. Greeted by someone by the name of, "Good morning, I'm Sandra. You must be Albert's brother" she doesn't seemed surprised but looks nice. She's gorgeous, a match for Albert's good looks.

"Francis here, pleasant to meet a gorgeous lady like you" shakes hand with Sandra "oh thank you. So sweet. Join us for breakfast " Francis looked at Albert who's eating continuously and not saying a word. "Oh I'm not hungry yet, I gotta go see dad. But thank you" truth is the smell of pancakes made him hungry even more. "Ok but join us next time". Francis head to the door while Sandra tries to catch up "oh wait do you know how to get there?" Francis smiled "yes aaaahmm Atty. Sam told me already how. Thanks again Sandra." They waived goodbye at each other. Sandra went back to the dining table.

"What are you doing?" Asked Albert
"What?"
"You're being nice to that freak?"
"What's wrong he looks nice, I thought he looks Asian. I like the way he dress. Classy and not loud."
"You're crazy. He's the reason why my mother died with a broken heart"
Sandra holds Albert's hand. "If any kid or child would be able to choose their parents I'm sure he will not choose yours. You never had a brother all your life. Everything happens for a reason"
Albert removes his hand from Sandra "you just don't know how I feel" Sandra just kept silent. She knew that continuing this conversation would lead to nowhere. Albert is just not ready yet for this.

Meanwhile walking across the streets, a hungry Francis is looking for a McDonald's restaurant. "Oh dear where do I go" looking left and right.
"Lost? Are you new here?" Francis looked behind him to see, he was lost for words. A tall hunk who's jogging is the one who asked. "Helloooow anyone in there?" Francis cleared his throat

"oh I was looking for somewhere to eat. And yes, I'm new here"
"I'm Ben. Just 2 buildings away from the Faulkerson's. I actually saw you arrive yesterday "
"I'm Francis ..... Faulkerson. Nice to meet you"
"I'm finished running anyway, so how about we eat breakfast together. There's a nearby McDonald's if that's fine with you"
"That's exactly what I'm looking for, but I can't stay long I had to see my father in the hospital"
"Yeah I heard Mr. Faulkerson is not doing well. He's a good man. My father used to work for him in his hotel. Till he passed away last year"
"Oh I'm sorry"
"It's Ok, c'mon you must be starving"
The two walked together and reached McDonald's. Francis thought "thank God there are nice people around. Even Sandra's nice. Thought Albert prepared an army against me"

The smell of coffee and pancakes really started the day for Francis. It's actually his easy to get breakfast in the Philippines. Not so much time for cooking. He's always busy in the hospital.
"Not into details much but I guess you're Albert's brother from another mom right?"
"Exactly. I wouldn't be here if not for papa. Are you a friend of Albert's ?"
"No. We went in the same school but he had a different group of friends and so do I so we weren't that close. Just a hi and hello as neighbors" Ben continues "Your dad's condition is not so good"
"Yeah, I want to spend as much time as I can with him. He kept this a secret to me. He doesn't want me to worry. Perhaps I should go now"
"We will go. If you can wait me up a bit"
"What?" Francis looked confused
"I'm the supervising pediatrician in Brooklyn Hospital, I always visit your dad when I'm on duty"
"Dr. Francis here, General Surgeon at the Philippine General Hospital"
They laughed and head to Ben's place. While Ben showered and dressed up. He looked at the family pictures. A picture of Ben's dad and mom with his father. Francis touched it and smiled.
"That's Mr. Faulkerson" Francis was startled.
"Jesus Christ! I didn't hear you coming. I'm sorry" places back the picture on the table. The nice old lady in late 60's just came from a nearby flower stand. She places the mixed daisies, lilies and baby's breath in a vase near the pictures.
"I'm Ben's mom. Victoria Smith. Sorry I scared you. Are you John's son in Manila?" Shakes hand with Francis.
"Pleasant to meet you Mrs. Smith. Yes I am. How do you know about me? By the way I'm Francis"
"You look just like your dad. He told us a lot about you. He's a friend to me and Carl (Ben's dad). He's so proud of you. His health is not so well now. Bless him. Would you like a cup of tea?"
"I just had breakfast with Ben. We met while I kinda lost and don't know where McDonald's is"
"so you met my beautiful mom" Ben kisses his mom on the forehead. "We gotta go to hospital"
"Ok son take care now. You'll be in good hands Francis. Don't you worry. Ben is kind boy. Too bad he couldn't find a perfect girl"
"Mom! We have a guest" Ben is shy
"Ok kids go now. I hope to see you again Francis"
"It will be a pleasure Mrs. Smith... Bye"
"Bye mom. Don't forget your medicines"
Francis upon seeing this hit him. He's a doctor and he wished he's there beside his dad in this time of suffering from Stage 4 Cancer.