Maximus (A tagalog novel)

Chapter 6

Caleb's POV

I dont even want to go to the family dinner tonight but my mom would be so mad. It's been like what, 3 months? since I got back from my vacation in Hawaii and since I last saw her and dad.

As I arrived in my parent's veranda, I saw my brother Levi's car and Jackson too. Great. Jackson's here. I smiled faintly.

I parked my car beside Jack's and proceeded inside where they're all gathered in the dining area. Looks like they're enjoying this without me.

"Great, my youngest is here!" Agatha,my mom, greeted me with a kiss on the lips.

"Hi mom" I greet her back.

"Hey pops" I greet my dad before I sat on one of the chairs.

"So how's school, bro?" Jack asked. I'm glad I look more like him than Levi.

'Cause to be honest I dont get along very well with Levi. Probably 'cause he's achieved so much in life at such a young age making him the favorite son in our family. And I hated it. Dad and other relatives would always compare Levi to me and Jack.

Jack doesnt care but I do.

I wish I was Jack. He's such a carefree and happy person and gets along with everybody else. But I didnt grew up with this family. They're always away. And barely home because of the family business around the world.

You see, my dad used to own Levi's company and now it was being passed on to him 'cause Dad just operated a multi-million mining company in Switzerland and he has to focus on that. So he has to be away most of the time.

But who cares. As long as they dont fuck up my life.

"School's school. Same as ever" I replied to Jack sarcastically. But the bastard just smirked. I looked over at Levi and he seems prim and proper like always. The Boss. The leader. The favorite son.

"Tell me more about your first day in the campus, anak. Naalala ko me and your Tita Constance we used to hang out in the fine arts department" Mom told me and I aint even in the mood to talk about it.

"Yeah, we did check out some fun art works there a while ago mom" I told mom. Me and Ellie went to check it out of curiousity before she and Pat went home.

Ellie. I like her. She's funny but she doesnt know it. She's shy and quiet which is my cup of tea. We're the same. I like books just as much as she does. And talk about life, in general. I feel the normal me everytime I'm around her.

"Did you say 'We?'. So you made friends already?" Mom asks and my smile faded when I felt Levi's eyes turn to mine. He knows who 'we' is.

"Yeah. A classmate. Her name's Ellie" I replied simply, putting the steak in my mouth.

"So is it a he or a she?" Jack continue to pry which annoys me. He loves annoying people.

"Let's not talk about her" Levi spats in a dangerous tone which made me snap my eyes to him. He's dead serious.

All of a sudden I remember, He's probably known Ellie now. Her aunt is working for him so he must have known about her now.

But the question is, Levi dont usually care about other people aside from himself so why would he say that? Is he insterested
with Ellie all of a sudden? But why? She's clearly not his type. Jessica is her type. Tall, sophisticated, a vixen, daughter of a millionaire and a socialite. They've been together for years. So its impossible. I must be dreaming.

"Cal, can we talk?" Jack approached as soon as the dinner is over.

I nod and followed him outside the backyard. Where we both used to play and run around as kids. After all, Jack is only 2 years older than me. So we get along pretty well.

"Just want to let you know if you need somebody to talk to, I'm here" He said.

"Thanks I appreciate it Jack" I tell him, sipping on my beer.

"I know you and Levi haven't been getting along well these past couple of years..But don't take it too hard on yourself bro" Jack said. He knows whats going on between me and Levi and my parents.

"Its hard when all your parents want is to follow your brothers footsteps..and take over the fam business but that shit is not me. Thats not who I am" I inhaled sharply.

"Then don't do it. Enjoy life. Look at me. Mom and Dad may not be showering me with money anymore but thats fine. I dont really care about their money anyways" Jackson's advise is always as good as these past few years. He always tells me to follow my dreams and forget about what I dont want in life.

Right after Jackson left, I saw Levi approach me.

Okay, here we go.

"Dont be too hard on Mom and Dad" He said and I wanted to hit him. But instead I smirked,

"Really, you're gonna tell me that?" I replied in sarcasm.

"So, your friend..Ellie" Levi began and thats when I realize, he likes her. But im still not a hundred percent sure about it.

But I guess I just have to find it out myself. Even if that means lying to my brother and Ellie just to piss him off.

"What about her?" I asked. Sounding like I dont give a bit of care at all.

"Nothing. Just checking in if she's okay from what happened. Its not big of a deal but I might have been rude to her" Levi said.

I chuckled in disbelief.

"You're always rude" I replied in sarcasm.

"Don't worry. My girl's more than fine. She's forgotten about it" I tell him and there was silence.

Nanahimik si Levi at hindi na nagsalita.

"Alright. It's late. I'll see you on Tuesday. You can bring your girlfriend if you want" Levi let out a deep breath and left.

What he said gave me an idea. May gaganaping pool party sa Mansion nito sa Tuesday dahil birthday ni Jackson. At darating rin si Jessica. At nandon rin ang girlfriend ni Jackson na si Madison. So what better way to find out Levi's agenda with Ellie than to bring Ellie as my date?.

It will be so much fun pissing my brother off.