The Brotherhood

Chapter 16 (Part 1)

Erin

"Erin, finalize the scholarship papers in the orphanage. We need it done by Friday"

"Okay, Mom. Daanan ko na lang mamaya sa Academy." I answered, barely because I'm brushing my teeth. It's 8 in the morning and it's been 2 days since we got home from the private island.

"Bakit? May pupuntahan ka ba ngayong araw?"

I contemplated whether to tell her or not. I was planning to go to Leo's apartment to talk to him about us, obviously. He's been ignoring my messages since the day we kissed in the wedding after-party.

I am really confused and I need an explanation. Sure, I already have feelings for him but how about him? Does he feel the same or was it just another one of his annoying games?

God, I've never been this stressed because of a man. Usually, pag may nagloloko akong boyfriend, wala akong ginagawa. I just send him a text saying that we're over, at yun na yon. Wala na. Di na rin ako naghahabol or umiiyak. I don't cry over a man. That's stupid.

But Leo, he's making me so confused and frustrated right now. And why do I even care if he's giving me mixed signals? He's just a guy!

But the way I'm acting right now, it just shows that Leo is not just another guy. I hate this feeling.

I lied, "Pupunta po ako sa condo ni Yuri"

My mom did not respond, maybe she just nodded as approval.

The way mom doesn't like me around Leo, I cannot tell her the truth or else she'll make a way to separate us forever.

Nang makalabas ako sa kwarto ko, I checked on Zyair.

Pagbukas ko ng pinto ng kwarto niya, tumambad sa akin ang mga bote ng alak at mga sigarilyo na nagkalat sa sahig. On his bed is a bowl of junk food, another bottle of beer, and his phone which is now broken.

Gising na siya at nagla-laptop.

"Zyair, mag-almusal ka muna. Nagluto si Mommy."

Mom decided to work from home because of what's happening with our family right now. It is obvious that someone is plotting on our lives. Kaya di na kami pinapalabas na walang guard. My Dad even wanted me to carry a gun with me but I refused. Takot na takot ako sa baril.

Zyair shifted on the other side of the bed, moving away from me, "Di ako gutom."

"Zyair, please. This isn't healthy."

"I don't really care, Erin."

Lumapit ako sa kanya, avoiding the crumbs of crackers scattered on the floor. "Sky cares for you a lot." I said. If there's anything to help his situation right now, maybe it's hope. Pero natatakot ako na baka false hope ang sinasabi ko. Pero napapansin ko naman ang mga tingin ni Sky kay Zyair. It looked genuine.

Hinarap ako ni Zyair, "If she really cared about me, ba't niya ako iniwan? Susuportahan ko naman sana ang paggiging exchange student niya. Tsaka alam kong pangarap niya talaga yun. Pero bakit kailangang makipaghiwalay? Kaya ko naman ang Long Distance Relationship. Alam naman niya na may private jet tayo and I can go there anytime I want pero mas pinili niyang maghiwalay na lang kami nang tuluyan. Nakaka-tangina lang."

"Baka ikaw, kaya mo ang ganong set-up. Paano kung di niya pala kaya? Or maybe she has other reasons."

"I don't fucking care, Erin! The point is she left me and she's not coming back!"

Napaatras ako nang itapon niya ang bote ng beer sa pader sa likod ko.

"I'm just trying to help you..." Nagsimula na akong maiyak.