The Groom's One True Bride

Chapter 2

Kiefer took out the decanter and poured some wine on his glass. He was about to take a sip when Thirdy came in. "Manong," he greeted him, "Where's Zitti?"

"Home," he replied, and gulped in his glass. "You okay, bro?" Thirdy asked, dropping on the couch, and Kiefer just shrugged. Thirdy eyed him, observing him.

Ever since Alyssa left, his brother went back to his old dark withdrawn self. He rarely talks about himself, but at least, he has always been at the family house. Even more frequent than before. It's as if he has lost a reason to smile, even with Zitti. And worse, without Alyssa, he has not bonded that much with Zitti.

"Can Zitti sleep here?" he asked, and Kiefer just shrugged. Thirdy shook his head, "Are you sure you want to keep Zitti? Or are you just having one of those 'I am responsible for her' moments?" Kiefer just stared at his brother. Thirdy sighed, "You are doing more harm than good."

"I love her, okay?" he muttered, and took another gulp of wine, "I'm just busy and tired."

"So is everyone," Thirdy pointed out, "But I don't see your point keeping Zitti when all you seem to do is sulk whenever she's around."

"I don't," Kiefer said, and gave his back on him as he poured another glass of wine, "And I don't sulk, and have no reason to sulk."

"Come on, Manong," Thirdy replied, "Something is definitely wrong. We've been trying to keep mum about what happened..."

Kiefer just shrugged.

He doesn't want to think about her.

"Don't you want to talk about how you really are?" Thirdy persisted, and Kiefer turned around to face him. "There is nothing to talk about. She left. What do I do? I can't just mope around, can I?" he replied, and Thirdy dropped his shoulders. He stared at his shoes, and sighed. "You know, you can always talk to me," he mumbled, and Kiefer sighed.

"I'm over her, Thirds. I've moved on. It was her decision; I'm just respecting it," he replied. Thirdy raised his face to his, "I hope you do."

Kiefer nodded, and Thirdy fished for his cellphone. "Why don't you just open up to Bea that you like her?" Kiefer asked, and Thirdy chuckled. "I don't want to be at the receiving end of a cold war or a burning tirade," Thirdy said, and stood up. "Speaking of, I have to pick her up. She's off duty now, and she's hungry," he said, standing up and going to the direction of his room.

But before he could disappear from Kiefer's view, he asked, "Can we sleep at your place?" he asked, and Kiefer just shrugged. "Thanks, Manong!" he replied, "And by the way, we're going to Tagaytay over the weekend. You coming?"

"Who are you with?" Kiefer asked, and Thirdy responded, "Me, Dani, and Bea." Kiefer thought about it, and responded, "Sure."

"Can we bring Zitti?" he asked, and Kiefer shook his head. "Sarah has work, and doesn't want Zitti out of the house," he replied, and Thirdy nodded, leaving him.

And Kiefer went back to nurse his soul with alcohol.

His aimless wandering soul.

**********************************

"Yan! Ang takaw mo kase!" Ella laughed at Alyssa after she puked her guts out. "Sabi ko sa 'yo na hindi magandang combination ang Kimchi at gatas!"

Alyssa wiped her mouth, and sat down on the chair, "Sino ba naman kase ang may pakana na magbaon ng gatas..." She dropped her head on her palm. "E hindi naman yun para sa 'yo! Para naman sa akin 'yun!" Ella pointed out, and Alysssa glared at her. "E ang anghang ng kimchi!" she remarked, and stood up to get in bed.