Pyromania

50th Chapter: Jealous

50th Chapter

Everest Fuego Henares

I remember years ago, back when we still live in Spain. My parents once had trouble with our finances. With my training, Xanther's career, Bronx and Gray's training camp, Dad's failing career, it's all on Mom's plate to keep our family going. Plus, with Jordie and Frankie's school, it was too much. Our family was on the verge of falling apart.

Mom was ready to leave Dad and my brothers and I? We will all be separated from each other. The half will suffer with Dad and the other will live in luxury with Mom.

That's when little Brooklyn came in. Unexpectedly. An answered prayer of mine. She glued back the fallen pieces and brought our family back together.

Brooklyn gave Mom a reason to stay. Like how Mayhem, gave Mercedes the will to live.

"She's anxious. She wouldn't be here if she's confident with her decision." ngisi ng kapatid ni Zed, Kai I recall. At tulad ng una kong kita sa kanya, may buhat buhat parin itong batang babae.

I watch him play with the little girl. And thought of Brooklyn. Ganyan siya kabungisngis nung baby pa siya. Ngayon? Not so much.

"Which one do you prefer? Boy or girl?" Kai asked,

Umiling ako bago sumagot.

"Healthy will do."

"Hmmm. It won't be easy with, Zedie, you know that, right?"

She's impotent. Infertile. From excessive use of drugs, I know that.

"There's a big chance that she can't conceive at all. Will that be okay to you?"

"Yes." I answered way too quickly, because like I said, I've accepted her fully. Her flaws and all. The way she did to me.

"Really, huh?" ngisi nito sakin but I remained cold. They're always like this, parang parati nila akong sinusubukan.

"So why haven't you proposed to her yet? Because you're still engaged, right?" biglang nagbago ang itsura ni Kai, dumilim ang mukha nito at hindi na nakangiti.

Napasimangot ako. Talaga palang binabantayan nila ko? I didn't know they are serious.

"I called off the engagement already. And I haven't proposed to her yet because Mercedes is still not ready." I said through my gritted teeth.

"Not ready?" he asked, confused.

"She...she can't even look me in the eye most of the time. Kaya tingin ko ay hindi pa siya handa para doon."

Tumayo si Kai at lumapit sa couch kung saan ako nakaupo. Pinasa niya sakin ang batang dala kaya agad ko iyong sinalo. He left the sala, leaving me staring at the baby.

She's got huge brown eyes. My thoughts wandered. Kung sakali ba? Ano magiging kulay ng mata ng anak namin? Heterochromia is hereditary so may posibilidad na maging katulad ng kay Zed. I wonder how he or she will look like.

I got distracted when Kai came back, he is now holding a black velvet box.

"Come here, Asher." he called nang ayaw bumitaw sakin ng bata.

"Tsk. You like good looking boys already? Ash won't be pleased." tawa nito saka inabot sakin ang maliit na box,

"She almost lost an arm when they took that away."

I opened the box. It revealed the moon stone wrapped in that white gold vine. Halos magbara ang lalamunan ko ng makita iyon.

I remember how down I was when I bought this ring. Malayong malayo ang estado namin sa buhay ni Zed, at desperado akong bigyan siya ng bagay na kung di man hihigit sa meron siya. At least. Pumantay manlang.