The Brotherhood

Chapter 19 (Part 1)

Erin

I remember the last time I stood in front of this mirror. It was the night I danced with Leo where I first realized that being with him is terrifying. It terrified me because it gave me a feeling that he is going to matter to me. More than just a friend.

"Erin, do you still want to do this?" I saw Zeyn's reflection on the mirror.

He is wearing a gray tuxedo. He looks so fine, so expensive, so angelic. Any girl would fall for his looks, his kindness, and his whole vibe in general.

I kept asking myself, bakit nga ba hindi ako kay Zeyn nahulog? Tingin ko mas simple ang buhay ko kung si Zeyn ang pinili ko noon. But I just can't.

I tried before, I just can't.

Or maybe when I was trying to fall for him, I couldn't because I was falling for someone else.

If Leo is out of the picture, would I learn to love Zeyn?

Even if I can, it is unfair to Zeyn.

I faced him, "Oo naman. Tara na?"

Pinagmasdan niya muna ako nang mabuti bago ako mag abrisyete sa braso niya.

The maids greeted us as we went down the stairs.

As we descend down the stairs, Mommy, Daddy, Tita Vienna and Tito Aaron were waiting for us, smiling.

It's obvious they all want me and Zeyn to be together.

But it's not the easy.

Especially when I'm in love with someone else.

Someone who's getting married soon.

Pathetic life.

"Look at you two... So perfect together" Tita Vienna mouthed while fixing Zeyn's tie.

Nakita ko namang nagtinginan si Mommy tsaka si Daddy. They both look happy with it.

I hope I could feel the same.

Mom spoke, taunting me, "Let's get going now and give our wishes to Leo and Zaina's engagement."

I smiled at them.

I guess I'm getting good at smiling even though I'm breaking in the inside.

________________________________________

Jaimie

"Ma, alis na po ako. Baka ma-late po ako sa event."

Pagkatango na pagkatango ni Mama ay agad na akong lumabas ng bahay.

Naglakad ako papunta sa kanto at nagpara ng tricycle papunta sa bus station papunta sa probinsya nila Papa.

Nagsinungaling ako.

Walang event.

Wala akong pasok ngayon sa Ws.

Birthday kasi bukas ni Papa kaya pupuntahan ko siya. Hindi ko ipinalaam kay Mama kasi tiyak na hindi siya papayag.

Hiwalay na kasi si Mama at si Papa.

At may restraining order si Papa. Bawal niya kaming lapitan simula noong naghiwalay sila ni Mama. Nang malaman kasi ni Papa na naglayas si Ate Hannah dahil pinagmamalupitan ito ni Mama, naglasing ito at umuwi sa bahay na nagwawala dahil sa paglalayas ni Ate Hannah.

Pero walang kasalanan si Papa noon. Nakita ko ang buong pangyayari. Oo, nasugatan ako nang gabing iyon pero aksidente lamang iyon.

Nang pumasok si Papa sa bahay namin ay pinagsasampal ito ni Mama kesyo wala daw kwentang ama sa amin ni Shea si Papa. Puro daw si Ate Hannah ang pinagtutuunan ng pansin.