The Savage Brothers | ✓

CHAPTER 24: Mariquita

CHAPTER 24: Mariquita

B R A N D O N

December 20th. Today, Bob'll have his children's party at the hospital... but I still have errands to run. Bummer...

For starters, after my morning run, I need to go pick up Amanda and drive her off to the airport. She'll be with her grandpop on Texas for a Rodeo Fest until New Year's. We were a bit disappointed she can't come to the games this time since all her relatives will be there for Christmas. (We basically spent the night at her place cuddling and watching Netflix, that's why she decided to just leave early today to pay off for the lost time.)

I prepared my gift for her—an adorable Jessie riding Bullseye plushie—all wrapped with a cute ribbon on the top and a small card message.

Another thing is that mom asked me to pay something at the bank since she cannot trust any of our maids or even Bryan with the money. (She said he might take some of the cash to buy himself clothes; it wasn't the first or second time.)

Right back when I get home, I told my little bro my dilemma but was stopped by his raised hand. He was busy Skyping some people and it's obvious they're talking about their musical. I wait for them to finish—with Bryan screaming how stupid they are not to include receipts when they buy raw materials for the props—before I said my pleas.

All stuff I have to go through and him being my proxy since I made Bob a promise. Besides, I have to visit someone today, and it'll take a little time. But Bryan doesn't need to know that.

He's leaning on his office chair. He has his fingers massaging his temple.

I went ahead before he can find any loopholes. "I can say that I'll be late and all but Bob needs a helping hand with the gifts, man. They're too much. He'll also bring some instruments and party games and some food for the kids. Besides, your car's spacious! Please?"

Bryan sighs, contemplating.

"Dude, you can perform! Kids love music, right?"

Bryan raises his arms in surrender. "Alright. I'm done with my fourth draft anyway, might as well do something humane while getting my mind off from my work."

I'm both glad and taken aback that he's chill about this. I thought he'd go mental but—whatever. As much as he says he hates kids, he's always really passionate about them; especially when it comes to performing. He just doesn't brag about it (surprising, I know).

"Awesome!" I hugged him. "Thank you!"

"Okay, okay! Too much human contact!" He pushes me away. "But I won't stay there for long. You need to replace me before noon. I'll still have to Skype with a moron who's a poor excuse for a set designer."

"Copy that." I fished a card from my pocket. "Here's Bob's address. You need to pick him up at six-thirty."

Bryan glances up at our wall clock. 6:03.

"Fucking Brandon! I still have to shower! Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"Well, you're busy Skyping!"

"Of course I was! That was important!" he fumed. "Why didn't you tell me last night!"

"I was with Amanda and the event just slipped off my mind or something. Bro, please don't scream at me! I really need to pick up Amanda..."

At the mention of my girlfriend, something shifted in Bryan's stare. I can't read him. But it seemed to calm him down. "Where's the party?"

"At St. Pedro Calungsod Children's Hospital. Never been there, but I think I passed by it once or twice. Not really sure. I guess it's a forty-five minute drive to an hour. You can GPS it. This'll be a first for the both of us."