The Brotherhood

Chapter 7 (Part 1)

Chapter 7

Erin

I woke up early to call Ava about the visit to the orphanage. Sabi niya, ayos naman na daw lahat ng papers regarding the scholarship slots. Bago pa daw umalis si Mommy, pinaayos na nito lahat para hindi na mahirapan si Zyair. And speaking of Zyair, he's still asleep. I decided to just leave a note on his bedside table, telling him not to worry about the project Mom has given him because I got everything under control. Sinabihan ko na din ang nurse niya about his meds.

I left the house at 8 in the morning and headed to our company building. I'm supposed to meet the Carter's chairman for this project. May mga papers pa daw na pipirmahan and Ava insisted that I meet with the chairman personally. And I know that's what Mom would want Zyair to do.

I grabbed my car keys and started the engine. I looked at myself in the mirror. My blonde hair is in a sleek ponytail, casual yet formal enough to match my muted pink lipstick. I'm wearing my casual working clothes; a white long sleeve lace chiffon blouse, a black knee-length pencil-cut skirt with a short slit and my white office heels.

I reached the building in 20 minutes. The guards and staffs greeted me. I nodded. The meeting schedule is 8:30 so I'm 10 minutes early. Great. I don't want to disappoint my business partner. Kinuha ko yung face powder sa bag ko and did a quick retouch. Mom always say na you should do your best to impress clients and business partners. I know Zyair easily impresses people especially girls with his charms but I'm not gonna do it kasi baka maging slutty ang image ko. Kila Zyair okay lang. Oh, boys and their privileges.

"Stop the elevator!"

I stepped my left foot forward para harangin yung elevator doors while still checking myself out in the mirror. I'm not even wearing full-face makeup yet my face looks flawless. So, I said to myself, "Hello there, you pretty thing"

"Thank you" A man replied as he enter the elevator.

"Not you" Napaawang ang bibig ko nang lumingon ako.

Holy shit.

He smiled, "Akala ko ako. Wala naman kasing ibang maganda dito" Lumingon lingon pa siya sa paligid para insultuhin ako. Duh, kaming dalawa lang naman ang nandito. Gago.

I just crossed my arms and 'tss'ed. "Sarili mo ba kausap mo kanina? Pfft. What a pity."

I just glared at him. I won't waste my energy by talking to this dumbass.

"Asan nga pala kapatid mo? I thought we're gonna meet today"

I didn't answer his question. "Bakit ka nandito?"

He answered, "Kasi ako yung chairman sa CARTER charity-foundation."

I CURSED IN MY MIND.

He asked again, "Ikaw? Ba't ka nandito?"

I faked a smile, "Kasi ako yung chairman sa WYATT charity-foundation"

Natigilan siya. He cursed in his breath and started laughing, "So, tayo yung partners?"

Ew, partners. Nakakasuka.

"Unfortunately, Mr. Leo Carter, yes, we are partners."

I can't believe I'm meeting this guy again. After the embarrassment he gave me in the loft, I wished I'd never see him again. Pero eto na nga, I did this for my brother. Akala ko dagdag gawain lang. Dagdag stress pa pala.

Maybe Zyair can do this. Tutal parang ka-close niya naman tong mokong na to. Di ko ata kaya makasama to for a week. Mabibiyak ata ang ulo ko sa inis.