Where I Belong

Kabanata 3

Boys

It wasn't long before Mrs. Miller knocked, telling me to meet her husband and sons downstairs.

I watched with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity as I made my way downstairs following Mrs. Miller, each face bearing a unique expression that I couldn't quite decipher. 

After meeting Mr. Miller, I was introduced to their sons – nine in total, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. Some were lively and outgoing, while others were more reserved and cold.

"Boys, this is Brea," Mrs. Miller said, her voice filled with warmth as she introduced me to her family. "She'll be staying with us for a while."

I shifted nervously under their glance, hindi tiyak kung paano nila ako tatanggapin.

Makikita ba nila ako bilang isang intruder, na nagugulo ang katahimikan at pagkakasundo ng kanilang tahanan? O tatanggapin ba nila ako ng buong puso, gaya ng ipinangako ni Mrs. Miller?

To my surprise, the Miller family greeted me with genuine kindness and acceptance.

As Mrs. Miller introduced me to her sons, Kuya Asher stepped forward, the eldest among them, with a warm smile and a gentle demeanor.

As Kuya Asher shook my hand warmly, a genuine smile spread across his face. "Welcome, Brea," he said, his voice deep and soothing. "We're glad to have you here with us."

I returned his smile, feeling a sense of relief washed over me. "Thank you po," I replied, my voice tinged with gratitude. "I really appreciate it."

Tumango siya, ang kanyang mga mata ay puno ng pang-unawa. "Anytime," he said, his tone reassuring. "If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

I felt a lump form in my throat at his kindness, overwhelmed by the warmth and acceptance of the Miller family. "Thank you," I repeated softly, unable to find the words to express my gratitude.

As Mrs. Miller introduced me to the other boys, each one greeted me with warmth and kindness, their smiles genuine and welcoming.

"This is Andre, my second oldest," she said, gesturing towards a tall boy with a warm twinkle in his eye.

Next, Mrs. Miller introduced me to Kuya Aiden, a quiet and serious boy with a coldness in his gaze.

Mrs. Miller continued to introduce me to each of her sons: her twins Austin and Archie, who were the same age as me; next were Adrian and Anthony, and lastly, the youngest twins, Atlas and Ashton.