Torn Between Brothers

Seven Years After.

Death arrived the moment I said goodbye to the De Castro brothers. It has been seven years since that death defying experience. Seven years of complete separation with them made my life wretched. It took me two years to adjust and to accept that everything will never be like it was before.

I just finished college. It is hard to get a job after graduating but everything is worth the hard work and the long wait. I graduated with awards. Awards that could help me be hired by prestige companies. I could get a profession that could totally change my future.

Though I’m still a little bit upset about the incident that almost ruined my life, I found it a blessing. Maybe, if that didn’t happen, I wouldn’t achieve everything I possess now. When Daniel and Dylan left, I almost gave my life up. Suicidal thoughts flooded my brain. I planned to jump off a thirty-two-story building but I decided not to when I almost lift my right foot off the edge of the rooftop. I realized that my life deserves more than that. I should continue living and live my life to the fullest.

I can say that I, to some extent, succeeded. My life is so much better now. Even without the De Castro brothers, I managed to survive. Thank God those trials happened. Maybe if I did not get confused, maybe until now I am still Dylan’s girlfriend. To be specific, maybe I’m still Dylan’s dependent girlfriend. Maybe I wouldn’t learn life’s lessons, maybe I wouldn’t be stronger.

I am happy now. Tomorrow I would apply for a job. Hopefully I would be hired soon. I want to make my family proud. They are my priced possessions now. I love them so much and I will do everything to repay them.

When I woke up, I quickly took a bath. I am excited for my job application. I should look so nice and pleasant later at the interview. I carefully picked the clothes I’ll wear. I ate breakfast and then brushed my teeth. A smile never left my face. I kissed mom goodbye before leaving the house. I brought all the requirements needed for the application. I made sure that I am really ready.

On my way to the venue, I bumped on someone whose smell is very familiar. When I faced the person, goose bumps started creeping all over my body. I knew that I could never go wrong with that particular scent. That’s the fragrance my nose has been longing for through the years. After seven long years of total separation, here, of all other places, I’ve met again the person who owns my heart.

“Jade,” Dylan said.

I can’t quit staring at him with a big smile on my face that I couldn’t erase. I’ve longed for this face for a very long time. My eyes hunger for tears. I took a large breath before saying a word. “Hi.” That’s all I could say.

He smiled. “Long time no see.”

Long time no see. I’ve prayed for this moment for so long. I miss you so much. Can I have you back? I wish I could tell Dylan that. But when I’m about to utter another word, a girl came and she interfered. My smile faded the very moment she grabs Dylan’s hand. She’s overly pretty and she dresses so nice. Her eyes are round and big. They’re so cute. And maybe, she’s the sexiest girl I’ve ever seen. Her skin shines because of the sun and she’s so white. I suddenly felt insecurities as she clings to Dylan’s muscular arms.

“Babe,” She started. “Who is she?” She looked very flirty. They’re so sweet. And duh? Babe?  Obviously, she’s Dylan’s girlfriend. Crap, Jade! Run!

My eyes are glued to the pretty girl beside my ex-boyfriend. My feet are stuck on the ground as if they’re waiting for Dylan’s answer.

“Um, Jane..” Dylan said, facing the most beautiful girl beside him. “She’s my friend, Jade.” Jane smiled at me. I can feel my body shaking as I smile back. “Jade, this is Jane…” suddenly, my heart started beating fast. It’s as if it suddenly felt so nervous. I swallowed and then breathed. “…my fiancé.” Dylan finished.

I tried controlling my lips from shaking. I feel like I’m about to burst. My eyes are beginning to feel teary. I can’t cry in front of them. Fiancé? I couldn’t believe it. I tried to smile to hide my feelings.

“How’s Daniel?” I asked him.

“He’s married.”

My jaw dropped. That’s the worst statement I’ve ever heard. Things are beginning to exacerbate. I thought everything’s in proper place ‘til this happened. Air seemed to vanish. My knees felt weaker. I cannot help but ask “Married? He just graduated.”

“He got a girl pregnant.”

That’s it. Lots of things happened in the last seven years. I am totally out of their lives. Pity me. I cannot have them again. Regret. I should’ve never felt confused. If I didn’t, maybe Dylan’s still mine. I would’ve not felt this kind of humiliation. I forced a smile as I decided to say goodbye. “Oh, I see. Nice meeting you again Dylan. Please extend my greetings to your brother. Congrats to both of you. Jane, take good care of Dylan. He’s a great guy.”

Tears fell the very moment I ran away from them. I know that from my expression and actions, it’s obvious that there’s an issue between Dylan and I. I just hope Dylan already told Jane about me so that she could understand why I acted so shaky and affected. She seemed nice and I wish happiness for them both. My life is not the best as I thought it is anymore. I couldn’t get a job looking like this.

I ran towards home and locked myself inside the bathroom. I cried and cried until there’s no more tears coming out. This would be the last time I would cry. I’ve already lost everything. In those seven years I secretly wished that I could have Dylan back… if not Dylan, at least Daniel. But none of them came back. Daniel is married and Dylan is getting married to the prettiest girl in the world. I don’t stand a chance. Maybe this is karma. A super bad one. I should’ve not loved them both at the same time. I am the one to blame in everything. I made this mistake and I would suffer from it forever.