It Started With A Bet

Chapter 2 My Brother Is Whipped

We cleaned the house for almost half of the day. It was a three-storey house with eight rooms, all located at the second floor. Since I loved books, and everyone was aware of that, I renovated the room next to mine into my very own library. Brent helped me with it, of course. My parents' room,  Noah's and mine had each a bathroom. There was one bathroom near the stairs for our guests. The three other rooms were occupied by the boys when they wanted to crash in, which happened almost every weekend. The other room was locked and left untouched. I did not know why but my parents were so adamant to leave it that way so both Noah and I never questioned them. It was their home, anyway. 

My parents were movie goers which was why we have our own cinema situated at the third floor. Inspite of Dad's demanding work, his family always came first. Sundays were our family time. But when they built the theatre, most of our Sundays were spent there. Sometimes Dad invited the boys which was a good idea. It was kinda uncomfy to watch there especially when I was alone. So I rarely went there. I would still prefer to watch in my room. At least, I was warmed by my bed and comforter.

 On the first floor, well, what can I say? There was the kitchen, the living room, another bathroom and the audio room. All these furniture and home stuff were Mom's pick. When it came to stuff like these, she's not to be argued. She had caused Dad a damage but I knew that he didn't mind. For him, it's just nothing, considering how he spoiled his beloved wife. Theirs was the kind of love I wanted. Noah and I were so lucky we have great parents. Thinking about them made me missed them more. 

We ordered pizza while waiting for the food Mrs. DeVera, Jared's mom, so graciously prepared for us. 

Gab grabbed the last slice but I snatched it away from his open mouth and ate it right away. Who were we kidding? Two large boxes of yellowcab weren't enough for us. 

"What the...are you sure you're a girl? Francesca Ann Evangelista, you eat like a horse. And so unlady-like, by the way. No wonder Brad broke up with you."

At the mention of Brad's name, Brent, Jared and Noah gave him a smack on the head. I thanked them and stuck my tongue out to Gab. Gab was the only one who dared to mention him in front me. And I might say, it helped a lot since I never felt the pain any more at the mention of him. Maybe I was never in love with him, I was just in love on the idea of love itself.

"Your mouth, ass." Said Brent.

"Oh come on, guys. Are you all blind? Francesca Ann is over Brad freaking Santos. Can't you see the changes in her lately?" Gab explained while massaging his head, frowning. "She's back to herself." And he went on and on at how I was in the past few days.

I was surprised at how observant he was. I did not even know I was back to normal until now.

"If I have not known you, I would say you are perving on my sister, Andrada." Noah to Gab.

"Oh I would have pursued her if only not for your death threats, bro. Francesca --"

"Not another word, Gabrielito!" I warned him. The bastard was enjoying making fun of my name. He knew how I despised it, yet he had called me twice by it to annoy me. " Call me that again and I swear, I'll cut your tongue with this." I held the pizza cutter in front of me.

I stared seriously at all of them but I can't keep my face straight any longer. Soon we were all laughing when the doorbell rang.

Jared stood up, wiping his eyes. "That must be our food. I'll get it." He spoke for the first time as he sauntered towards the door.

"Gabrielito? Where the fuck did you get that?" Gab was still laughing, but he managed to articulate the question.

I shrugged then turned to Noah who kept looking at his watch.

"So tell me, N, why are we having some general cleaning in the house? This happened only once when..." I stopped talking, and caught Noah's wide grin. There was only one girl who could make him that happy and content. And then it hit me. "Oh my God! She's here? Em is here! Where is she? Where is she?" I squealed as I literally jumped on my brother's lap and giggled like a child.

"Uhm, sis, you're sitting on my crotch. Get off me."

"Oopps, sorry." Before I could, Noah stood immediately, so immediately that I did not have time to balance myself and I went straight on the floor, face down. Ugh! "You're forgiven, Noah." I said sarcastically.

 I scrambled up to my feet, then I saw the reason why my brother acted like an ass. Emma Perez was standing beside Jared, her arm on his waist and so was he. The grin flustered on her face was contagious. She was the most beautiful girl I had known, inside out. Damn, I thought I just fell in love with her. Lucky Noah.

 "Hi, guys! Missed me?"

No one moved. We were all waiting for Noah to take the lead. However, it seemed that my brother was dumbfounded and nailed to the ground. I looked at the three other boys and their lips were all twitched. I cleared my throat to bring Noah to Earth.

"Hey lover boy, you might want to kiss your girl before any of us does it for you." Brad teased.

As if a cue, Noah walked to her waiting girlfriend and kissed her right in front of us.

"I missed you, baby." Noah murmured against her lips. "You don't know how much."

"You're not the only one." Em said as Gab pulled them away.

"Our turn, lover boy." Jared, Gab and Brent spoke at the same time.

Before they could hug her, I made my way and hugged her tightly which she returned as tight. "I sooooo missed you, Em. I'm glad you're finally home."

Em came from a broken family. According to Noah, her parents got seperated when she was a little child. She had a brother, Aaron, whom I adored as much as these boys that sorrounded me. I could not imagine her life without a father. That must be so lonely - having no one to teach you how to ride a bike or when you wanted to play at the park or play superhero with. My brother did not tell the whole story in detail but I understood. Her father was now living in London with his new family.

A year ago, Em received a phone call from her father inviting her and Aaron to spend the summer with him. Em always wanted to see the beauty of Europe. That was why she accepted the invitation. Em was the kindest and sweetest girl I had known. For a child who was left by her father, I admired her for not resenting him despite what he did to her family. If I were in her shoes, I might held a grudge. But Em had a pure heart. That was why I loved her.

 "Uhm.. France? You mind if we cut in?" Jared said. I stuck my tongue out to him but gave way anyway.

"We'll have some girl talk later, girl." Em said as she hugged each of the guys.

"Enough fondling my girlfriend and go find your own, perverts." Noah growled as she stole her and tucked her beside him. "Why are you here? I told you to wait for me at the airport."

"I wanted to surprise you." Said Em.

As the boys and I prepared the table, since Noah was busy with her girl, I couldn't help but smile as I saw how Noah's eyes glinted with passion and love. I never thought the day would come that Noah, my playboy brother, would fall madly, crazily and hopelessly in love with a girl.

I overheard Em telling Noah to get her things outside. And oh boy, faster than the lightning, off he went. My brother was soooo whipped.