Neighbors | Maichard

XXXV. - Hey Brother -

"Hello older brother, did you miss me?" Richard heard Lawrence ask. He replied by pulling his brother close and giving him a tight warm hug.

"What the hell are you doing here? Sinong kasama mo? Is mom with you?" Richard asked him. Lawrence rolled his eyes and let out a sigh.

"Of course ... do you really think Mom would let me fly alone?"

Richard smiled and ruffled Lawrence's dark brown hair. His brother pushed his hand away and quickly fixed the mess he made.

"Aren't you supposed to be in school? Why are you here in the middle of the week?" Richard asked before yawning.

"They have this event that extends till the weekend, so basically no classes for the rest of the week. Students can go to school or not if they wish to." Lawrence responded before entering Richard's room.

"Let me guess, you don't know what that event is?" Richard asked, Lawrence grinned and winked at him.

"Mom and Dad told me a lot of stories about you. They said you have a girlfriend."

"I do and she's beautiful." Richard said proudly.

"Oh really?" Lawrence asked before he crossed his arms over his chest. She smiled at Richard and his similar dimples were put on display.

"Oh yes." Richard said.

"Okay ... when can I meet her?"

"Today,"

--

Maine woke up the next day still reeling from the darkest chapter of Richard's past. A part of her wished she never asked about it but at the same time, Maine knew it was the only way to fully understand his complex thoughts and emotions.

After stretching her arms and legs, Maine got off the bed and walked towards the window. She took a deep breath and pushed the curtains aside to let some morning sun in her room. She took a quick morning shower and went downstairs to have breakfast with her family.

"Mukhang maganda ang gising mo ngayon ah." Mrs. Mendoza commented the second she saw her.

"Okay naman po." Maine replied before sitting next to Gabbi. She looked at her Dad and he smiled. Maine smiled back because the first time in forever, she didn't feel an urge to punch him in the throat.

"Kumusta naman yung kulot mong buhok?" she asked Gabbi.

"Eto, hindi straight. Wag ka nga ..." her cousin replied before taking a sip of orange juice. As soon as she finished her food, Gabbi stood up and said goodbye to everyone.

"Papasok ka na?" Maine asked.

"Hindi, matutulog ako. Kaya nga ako naka-uniform." Gabbi replied.

"Ugh ... take care ah?"

"Of course .... bye Tita ... bye Tito!"

After Gabbi left, the three continued eating in silence. But a few minutes later, Mr. Mendoza said something that made both of them look up.

"Naka-hanap na ako ng apartment na malilipatan."

"Really? Where?" Mrs. Mendoza asked.

"Malapit lang naman ... sa may Citibank." He answered. Maine stared at her Dad. She tried to look for a word to say but she wasn't able to find one. A part of her wanted him to leave but another part was helplessly begging for him to stay.