The Brother

Meeting

Francis went home to pack his things. He decided to stay in Ben's home while he awaits a confirmed flight schedule. He didn't inform anyone in the Philippines yet but he is sure as happy that finally this nightmare life with Albert is over.

"Uncle Sam is in Dad's office" says Albert then struggles to walk the hall and the stairs.

Francis said to himself "Now what? I'm ready to go. Oh it's the final settlement coz I'm leaving. Got to finish this and leave fast. Don't ever wana be with that moron anymore" he hurried down to his father's office.

"Good morning Francis. I believe we have something to talk about. Albert here called for this meeting"

"Good morning uncle Sam" shakes hand and ignores Albert who sits in front of him. He sits down. Atty Sam sits on their father's desk.

"Unlce I am set to leave. My decision is final. I did my part. I'm sure papa knows that already. I left my good life in the Philippines, left what I'm happy doing for the people, sacrificed my own happiness only to be maligned and mistreated by this person in front of me. I want to go and get my life back. It starts today"

"That's what I wanted you to do. I called this meeting to let you go. You deserved it. But uncle said we needed to sign some papers so that all properties will be sold and everything will be donated to charity. You can go and get your life back brother. It's ok"

Francis was stunned. Looked at Atty Sam and then Albert. Clears his throat.

"What did you just called me?" Asked Francis

"I believe I called you brother? Hey I know it sounds crazy but I know the truth now. I'm so sorry as hell for everything I did to you. I don't have any right for anything here. I am not really from this family"

"You are sorry for everything. No, no, you can't do this to me now. I am ready to go home. I am ready to be where I believe I should be and that is in the Philippines.... you can't.... you ... you..."

"That's why we are here with uncle. We didn't finish what father wanted. Everything will be put to charity. I will go and find who I really am. I will start all over again. I owe you that brother. You cleared me from all of my debts. I can start a new life with Sandra. Someday I will be able to repay you for everything you've done.
Let's start signing the papers so we could all move on. Especially you, I believe your life was on hold because of me. You're free now brother"

Atty Sam prepares the documents to be signed by both. Hands them first to Francis with a pen. Frances accepts them then returns them on the table.

"Yes, you're right. My life is put on hold. But no, I can't sign right now. Please give me just a little bit of time. I will let you know when I'm ready. I need to see papa"

Francis left teary eyed. He drove to the cemetery and sat on his father's grave.

"I am sorry I have failed you papa. I am so sorry that I have to leave everything you worked hard for just because I couldn't stand being with Albert. I am thinking of my own happiness. I didn't gave much importance to your hardwork. And now Albert wants to go away with nothing to start a new life. He knows the truth now. I thought it would be easy papa. To just leave. But I don't know why I'm feeing sad now that all papers to be signed are in front of me. Please papa, mama please tell me what to do"

Closes his eyes and bows his head. He cried. He heard footsteps from the grass behind him so he looked around.

"You don't have to leave brother. You can choose to stay. If you choose to stay, I will stay. We can both continue dad's businesses. You and I together.... Brothers. It might sound unbelievable. But I have nowhere to go and don't know where I came from. You're all I have and you did everything for me even if you already know the truth. If you choose to go then I have no choice but to face this world alone"

Francis and Albert looked at each other. Suddenly they hugged each other tight.

"You don't have to go anywhere Albert. I am here for you. I will stay"

"Thank you my brother. Thank you. Don't forget the man who stood beside you in all these times. I took him to be with me here for you"

Francis looked. Ben is getting out of the car. So handsome with some flowers.

"I thought this would cheer you up. One for you and one for your dad" says Ben as he lays the other bouquet near the tombstone. He wipes the tears off Francis' face. Kisses him on the head and hugs him.

"Please stay. Will you? For me? Maybe there's a reason why you're here. You just have to see it. You've given your life, your time and love to everyone else. You are always with people you are helping in the hospital everyday. But when you go home you are alone. Francis it's about time to see the love in front of you. A love that's meant for you. Please give me a chance to let you feel the love that you deserve"

"Ok Ben. I'm willing to give that chance" and then they embraced.

"Well I guess we should celebrate. And tonight you'll see something spectacular" says Albert

That evening, Francis, Ben, Atty Sam, Victoria, close friends at the hospital, had dinner at the Faulkerson Hotel where an Albert on his knees said:

"Sandra, I know how hard it is to be with me. But after all that hardships you choose to stay and keep believing in me. You loved me even it causes you pain. You hold on to me and didn't quit on me. Now I am giving you back that love. And I promise to make you the happiest woman in the world. Sandra, will you marry me?"

Sandra said: it's true. I've been through a lot for you. It takes a super girl to be that strong. Francis was a witness to that(winks at Francis). So Albert, please do ask me again"

"Sandra, my super girl (everyone laughs) will you marry me?"

Sandra says "YEEEEES" Albert puts on the ring and they embraced and kissed each other.

Ben looked at Francis and kissed him.
"I love you. One day I will marry you" says Ben
"I love you too. But I still have one mission to do.........."