Chapter 2

They are still talking inside and now I am here outside, sitting because I got bored. They are busy talking about the wedding and I remember my mom, I feel sorry and sad for her. She should be at the wedding plan and wedding day watching my brother saying his vows to his future wife. But fate is so cruel that my mom didn’t have the chance to witness those kinds of events. I miss her so much and every special occasion and thing reminds me of her. What if she’s still here? It’ll be more fun. But things are meant to happen.

My brothers are planning to build their own family with someone they love. I want to try that, to be with someone that I love like them. I want to feel love from someone who is not my relative. I want to experience having a boyfriend who will give me support and different love that I receive from my family. At some point I am scared that I might fall to the wrong person and end up crying and hating love because it causes pain. But I know that if I don't give it a try I’ll end up regretting it because of having no experience.

“Hey!” A man greeted me. He's Kiram and I am shocked because he tapped my shoulder and we are not close enough for him to do that. Maybe he is friendly and he does it to everyone.

“Ahm.. Hey?” I answered back. We are strangers to each other and now I was wondering why he approached me. But it is not bad that he approached me, it is actually good for us because we just met and after the wedding we will become a family and this is the best way to be comfortable with each other. Still I am uncomfortable.

“Sorry, did I scare you? I just want to talk to someone. I’m kinda embarrassed a while ago. He’s hot headed.” He said and rolled his eyes. He sat beside me.

About that, about what happened inside, he didn’t respect tito and in front of us he answered tito like that? Patient and respect please. I am not judgemental but I judge what I see. Are they used to it? Or he used to argue with his father like that and Tito ended up getting stressed because of him. I saw his reaction earlier and I can say his blood is already boiling.

“Your expression! Your stares are judging me. If you’re thinking about what happened a while ago, I am sorry. We usually argue because he always told me that I am not studying and busy having fun with my friend but all this time he was wrong. I am not just hanging with them, they are my buddy also and when I am stressed they are always there for me.” Maybe my impression is wrong because I can relate to him. They just thought that we were just having fun but no, we are also with each other during each other’s hardship.

“If you think that I am disrespecting him, I am not, okay? I do respect my dad, it’s just that I am explaining but ke thinks I am answering him, I am disrespecting him.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Your expression says.”

I am shocked. I don’t know what to say. Should I apologize? It feels like he reads thought because he explains it very well like he knows what I am thinking.

He laughed. “You don’t have to say anything, it's just a guess.” He chuckled

“Okay.” I nodded. I am still surprised and at the same time embarrassed.

He looked up at the sky and sighs. I looked at him, his eyes. . . . looks sad. I bit my lips and looked away.

“Did you know that me and my sisters don't have a mom?” He's still staring at the sky.

We are both sitting, he’s looking at the sky while I am looking at him because of his sudden question.

“I know.” I said with a low voice. My chest was heavy, anytime now I might cry.

“Did you know that me and my brothers don’t have a mom?” I asked him back, I am now looking at the sky and he’s now looking at me. I feel his gaze and it feels something.

“I know.” He answered.

“Do you miss her?” He asked me.

“Yes. I always do.” I wanted to say all the things in my head, in my hearts. I wanted to complain and talk about my mom but I couldn't.

“I do miss my mom too. A lot of time.” I look at him. He’s like me.

“You know what, my family, they are cruel. We never had a chance to talk about her. The only time to talk about her is when it is her birthday or when it is her death anniversary. It feels unfair at the same time it saddens me. They already moved on, they already forget her like she’s no longer existing. They are cruel, right?” I can feel the pain in his voice. I feel him. He’s still looking in the dark sky.

“Sometimes I do understand them. Instead of staying on something that is not helping you but hurting you, why don’t you just move forward and forget those painful memories. But that’s really cruel huh. Not talking about her. It must be hard for you.”

"Yeah, they are cruel.” A silence ate us.

“You know why I am here? I went out because it feels unfair that they are having fun inside but they never mention them. I want to keep it all by myself because it feels like no one is interested in talking about them and it’s not my habit to steal someone’s spotlight.” I said and chuckled.

He looked at me and our eyes met. There’s something in his eyes that makes my heart beat like this. It feels like it is about to explode. I am waiting for him to utter his words but. . .

“You must go inside. It’s getting cold.” He said and diverted his gaze. My heart calmed when he did that. The crazy rapid beat stops.

“What about you?”

“I’m going somewhere. I’m coming back.” He said and he stood up and lent his hand to me. I just stood up on my own, ignoring his hands. I heard him let out a small laugh.

We parted ways, I went inside the resto while he went somewhere. I went back to our table to join them again. My brothers and the girls are laughing like no one is missing in their lives. I hate having thoughts like this. I don’t know what to feel, my emotions are mixed. It is like I am happy but sad and feeling regret. Kiram and I feel sorry for their loss and not being here. They should be here laughing with them and seeing their son and daughter being in love with each other.

Daddy isn't with them but surely he is with tito Greg. They are definitely hanging out and updating each other’s life and talking about business.

“Hey Lys! Where did you go?” They turned their heads when Kira ask me

“I went outside, having some fresh air.” I straightened my seat and sat down.

“Did you see Kiram? I saw him going out” Ate Kisha.

“Ah...yeah. I saw him. Actually he approached me and talked and after that I went inside. Maybe he's still outside, unwinding”

“Or maybe he ditched us!” Kisha said. “You know him, if he's bored he will ditch and get drunk with his friends.”

She is really clueless of what her brother is going through. They are not interested in him, no one wants to ask him how he is doing. Well, that’s how I feel.

“You two talk?” Zach, my brother asks.

"Yeah. Why?” I answered my brother.

“Well, I am just curious about what you two talk about.”

“Are you being a protective brother?” Kisha asked, laughing.

“Don’t worry. Kiram might be like that but he is kind with girls and he is really a gentleman.” Kira added.

“I am not being protective, okay?. I am just curious.” Zach answered them.

“Do you really have to know about that? It is not something that you have to be curious about. But if you insist. You wanna know?” I said and arched my brow.

“You sound mad, Lys. Calm down.” Nash said.

“No. You don’t have to share it with us.” Kisha said and Zach just nodded.

“If Kiram likes you. It doesn’t matter with us because he trusted us too.” Zach said and my brow crossed.

“It’s not like that okay?” I said and sigh. They just nod.

What are they thinking? We just talk and the talk is about them and mom. They don’t even know what we were talking about, so what's with the sudden ship? The heck. They continued what they were doing a while ago and I just ate something here because I cannot understand what they were talking about.

The whole time I didn’t talk to anyone and when they asked me a question I just answered them and that’s it. I don’t know, maybe I am not really interested in what they were talking about. After we ate, we decided to go home because they were all busy with work and the wedding preparations.

I am disappointed that Kiram didn’t come back. I thought he would, but he ditched us. I kinda understand him because the whole dinner is boring. They are talking about the wedding and business, talking about those big people that they will invite. I don’t even know them. But I am happy for them that they will get married.

I just can't imagine that my kuya – a very womanizer in our clan and a chick-magnet - is now getting married. I remembered, he once brought a girl inside our house and to be specific inside his room and you know what's gonna happen. They do something erotic and after that I had to argue with him. Why can’t they just go to a hotel and why does it have to be our sacred house?

Tomorrow Zach and Kisha will meet the wedding planner to organize their wedding. We can't afford to join them because we have some plans but maybe if I have time then I'll try to help them. We are all excited and we can't wait any longer. It will be fulfilling if the wedding day happens and we are all there.

Tomorrow I'll be meeting my friends again and we’re going to buy clothes, watch some movies, eat and anything that makes us enjoy the rest of the day to fulfill those years that we missed. I miss them so much and I am excited as of now and kinda nervous because we haven't met in years and in one day I'll be meeting them and we are all complete.

I haven’t met them in years because I isolated myself to everyone ever since that incident. We communicated online but we didn’t meet each other. We have reasons and they said that they have something about them and their families. Even though throughout those years of not seeing each other, we are still friends. And now we are doing good and having our own life. I'm so happy because my life seems so perfect and I wish for nothing but to stay like this. No problem, just a happy life and good mentality and no one is hurting.

After I cleaned myself I lay down and I closed my eyes with a smile plastered on my face and fell asleep. Thank you Lord. Thank you for everything.

A good morning came and the sun rose, I woke up with a smile again. After the tragic past I usually smile because why not? I bet my lips like it because she knows she's worth it.

I did all my routines before I went down. I take a bath, brush my teeth, wear decent clothes and fix my face. I am so so so excited because after years we will finally reunite again. I am elated!

We decided to set a date for us because we have free time and if the school year started we will get busy again but right now we have a lot of time! This should be a vacation because we haven’t met in years but we also have obligations to our family. But all I have to do is to enjoy.I need to spend the rest of the day with my friends because this is the best time to do so.

I decided to join my kuya and dad to eat breakfast before I leave. They are all waiting for me so they haven't started eating. Dad is busy with his newspaper and my kuys is busy with their phones so they haven't started yet. But when we start eating, we can't use the phone and read the newspaper because this is the rule but we haven't started so they can use it.

“Good morning.” I greeted them with an elated tone.

“Morning.” Dad said and looked at me.

“Dad.” I kissed his cheeks. And..

“Brothers.” I also kiss them.

I usually do this because why not? I am now their only lady and it is not bad to show and express your love to your family. I love them and I always express and show my love to them.

“I know you are always smiling and doing this to us but what is up?” Zonash asked and narrowed his eyes on me.

“Ahh......haven't I told you?”

“Told us what?” dad said.

“Argh I forgot.....” damn! Why now?

“Do you have plans? Are you going somewhere?” Zach asked.

“Yeah......”

“Where?” Dad.

“Mall…”

“Who's with you?” Nash arch his brow.

“Friends....”

“Who are they?” Dad said. It feels like they are interrogating me! I feel pressured.

“Ahmmmm....” I forgot to tell them! I thought I already did.

“Go straight to the point, Lyssa Angel.” Nash said and he’s getting irritated.

“I am sorry. I forgot to tell you that I am going out with my friend today. I was just occupied by something last night that’s why. Second, I don't know if we are going to stay at the mall or we're going somewhere but I assured you father and my brothers that I won't do anything stupid and yeah I'll always check my phone and reply to all your texts.”I smiled. I hate myself for being forgetful!

“Who's your friend?” Nash said and he gave him his phone.

“Give me her number so that If you forget to check your phone or in case that it was off or no battery I'll call your friends. Hmm?”

“Yeah.” I sigh. I took his phone and typed the numbers of my friends. Among them, Nash has been really strict to me ever since. He always told me to check my phone and do not forget to charge it just in case and I understand that. He cared for me that much and I am thankful for that.

“I'm with my high school friends, my best friends since I was in high school.”

They all look at me. Kind of stare at something with malicious thoughts in their minds. Wait…. What? Malicious?!

“What are y'all thinking?! I am not dating anyone!” I said, shouting out of frustration.

“I thought it was Kiram because you mentioned last night that you and Kiram were talking. So I thought that he is the friend you're talking about.” Zach says the friend in a malicious tone.

“Yeah.I thought you two are.” Nash said and then shrugged, teasing me.

“No. I am not with Kiram and we are not that close to set a meet up. And we just met last night so what made you think like that?”

“Why are you shipping your sister to him? She's not like you boys.”

“Oh come on! I liked Kisha first before Zonash knew Kira. And I courted Kisha before he courted Kira! I am the one who introduced Fledirika to him.” He said. He’s being defensive.

“What? Court? You courted Kisha? Are you sure about it? I know the word court is not in your vocabulary.” He teased and they started arguing like a child and it hurt my ear so much. I want to tape their mouths

“Bye, Dad and brothers.” I said after I ate breakfast with them. I shouldn't eat breakfast with them but I forgot to tell them where I am going. That's why I have to at least eat breakfast with them.

I went in the taxi because our drive is not around and I don't want to disturb him because he's on his rest day. Dad knows that I ride a taxi, at first they don't want to but I forced them and they agreed but they have to take a picture of the plate number and the driver’s ID. I said sorry to the driver and he told me that he understood. I check my phone if there is text from friends and yes I am right! They are now texting me like:

‘Where are you?’

‘You're late!’

‘I told you to come early!’

‘Why are you always late?’

There’s an accident and it causes a heavy jam. Because of heavy jam, I’m late. I didn’t expect that these things were going to happen today. I should ask my brother to drive me! I arrive at the mall and I am going to the coffee shop because that is our meeting place. I know that they are already pissed at me and I cannot do anything about it except to say sorry.

And now, I am in front of the coffee shop, our meeting place and I rush inside to see them and I was about to greet them but . . .

“You're late. Paid our order so that we can leave.” Ahrie said in a cold way. My jaw dropped. What the hell?

“I am sorry, okay? I didn’t expect that these things were going to happen. I rode a cab and the driver didn’t know that there’s an accident on that road. If he only knew then we’re going to take another way.”

“WHAT?? You take a cab?” Terriesse shouted.

“Yeah?”

“THE HELL!!! That is very dangerous! Did tito agree? You know your situation!” Kristen shouted. If it's not teasing it is shouting. Damn! They are noisy

“God! Stop overreacting. I am safe. I am here. Nothing happened okay? And you are being harsh to those taxi drivers. Don't worry, okay? I arrived safe. Let's just enjoy our day." I smiled. I am looking forward to the things that we are going to do.

“Fine! But I'll be the one who'll drive you home when your brothers can't.” Ahrie is very protective to a person who's close to her heart. I can't say anything because she has already decided.

We talked about our lives and just like what I've said we are all doing good. There's no awkwardness because we already moved on to what happened a few years ago and they really know how to handle a conversation. They are different from the past and I could say they change for good. I am happy for them.

We started having fun in the mall and started playing in playing stations. We always do it when we are young and I mention that we should move on from the past but it is only the dark and worse past. They change but our bond to each other never changes. It is still the same .

We got tired and also hungry so we grabbed lunch. We just ate and found some stuff in the mall. Shopping isn't our thing so we decided to go to Kristen's place. Her place is near and also she's living on her own so there is no problem whatever we do.

I texted my kuya and dad that we are here in Kristen's condo and I also mentioned what we are doing here and they're fine with it.

And now we’ve already arrived at Kristen's condo. We all headed to the kitchen and drank some water. Ahrie takes off his tops and goes to Kristen's room to look for tops. Kristen and Ahrie are very close to the point that they can sleep at each other's house. Terriesse and I are close too but we can't do what Kristen and Ahrie do because we have limitations from our parents.

When Ahrie went out she already changed her tops to a long shirt. She looks good wearing that.

“Hey Lys! Wanna change too? I have lots of stuff in her house so feel free to do what I am doing. They are used to it because I am always here.” She grinned

“What do you mean? Who's with her?” I thought Kristen is living on her own in her condo but I was wrong. Kristen prepared food for us though we already ate.

“Oh. Didn't she mention it? She's living with her boyfriend but tita knows about it so no worries.” oh tita agreed on that? I bet Tito is not because he's so protective of his unica hija.

“So tita agreed but tito.....?” Terriesse is listening to us and I know she's curious.

“Yeah, he didn’t agree on their relationship and up until now he still does and he thought that Kristen is living on her own following Tito's order to stay away from Ced but you know Kristen, she's done being caged with her father. If you all know Kristen's situation right now you'll probably pity her because it's hard that the person you love can't love you freely and worst you can't tell the people you expect to accept and support you. Tito is against their relationship and it is hard for the both of them. When Tito is coming Ced is ready like his things are already packed and easy to pick so that if Tito visits her she's ready to clean Ced things. If you saw them happy you'll probably think they are perfect couples but you know every relationship has its own flaws. "

“Yeah... And the flaw is you! You're gossiping! You don't have to tell them because I will Ahrie. You really can't stop your mouth.” Kristen pinching Ahrie.

“Why didn't you tell me? As soon as you know your father is against you and your boyfriend. I know I can't change Tito's mind but I am always here listening....comforting you.” Terriesse suddenly said.

“I know..” She said and sat on a couch.

“I just don't want to be a burden to the both of you.” She's implying to me and Terriesse.

“What? A burden? How can you say that? How can you say those words without thinking about what we've done! Like we didn't share problems back when we were kids!” She started being emotional and so am I.

“Yeah, you're right. You'll never be a burden to us. Always bear in mind that we are bestfriends and what are best friends for if you'll just keep your problem to yourself? We are here, okay?” I said and there were tears forming in my eyes.

“I know.....it's just.....” She said and began to cry.

“Shhhh.... no crying please! This should be our bonding! And our bonding should be happy! No crying please!” Ahrie said while wiping her tears.

“I hate it!” she added and now she's fanning herself using her hand.

“Don't keep it hmm?” I said, hugging her.

“Yeah... I-I am sorry Lys and Riesse.”

"Yeah. I know Ahrie is always there for you but also remember us as your best friends. She's not your only friend, you also have us. You can tell us, okay?” Terriesse remained calm but her eyes were red like she's stopping her tears to fall.

“Yeah... I know and I am sorry. I promise I won't keep it to myself and I will always bear in mind that I have friends to consult and tell me my problem.”

“Right! Count on me..... Count on us. We're best friends right?”