Falling in love with a Gangster's Empress

Chapter 3

"Apo? Kei? Hey my sleepyhead baby" Lola Axil gently massage my cheeks. Ugh! I really hate that feeling. I slowly open my eyes and I'm exactly right it's Lola. Why is she here? I arose from laying and squeezed my eyes.

[Apo-grandson/ granddaughter]

"Why are you here grandma?" I asked. Wondering why is she here.

"Don't you want to see me?" My Lola acted as if she was hurt "Omoo! I just wanted to see my sleepyhead girl" she wiped her tear that just escaped from her eyes. I thought she was acting like she does, I’m actually shock and hug her tightly and said "I'm sorry grandma" I caressed her back like what mom always does when I'm also like this. Before pulling out from the hug

I noticed the slight light escaped from the curtains that makes me rattled and immediately go to the bathroom. I take my shower and quick get changed. I walk out from the walk-in closet and sat in front of the mirror. When Lola came near me and comb my hair using her already wrinkled hands. I stop tying the laces of my shoes and look at her through the mirror. She smiled at me.

It feels so weird. Lola Axil was never been this kind of grandma to me. She's strict unlike Lola Muhna who loves to spend her whole time to me. Every time I visit them in Korea.

How can't I notice the time nor the alarmed clock. I'm so damn late now! I can't lose the try outs because this is my chance to show on my skills1 I need to play in that e-sports tournament because it will only happen once a time in once generation.

Fuck!

"I know you're cursing in mind baby" grandma spoke as she stands up. Here she comes again. I'm sure she will scold me again. And I'm so dead if, Coach Marjun will found out that I over slept and the reason why I didn't appear in the practice.

"As if he carries to scold you apo. You are an epic. You can't let anyone dares to scold you. Haha" I looked up at her. Shocked. Did she really understand me now? Woah! This is new.

"Get up and change your attire. You are not going to attend the practice. We're going to attend the mass, make sure to dress decently" she said and kissed me in the cheeks before leaving the room. I'm still curious why Coach Marjun is not calling me. Tsk. I need to call him to confirmed something.

"Coach--" I called. But he cuts me off.

"Your grandma answered my call this morning she told me that you are sick. So, you are excused" Lola answered his call? She's even here early in the morning? Ghad! that old lady. I ended the call without saying goodbye as a respect. We’re fair now. He is being disgraceful, so do I.

I change my clothes into a Nike air blue shirt, black jeans and an adidas limited rubber shoes. Just like I usually wear every time we go outside.

I go down after I finished my thing there in my room. I noticed that they are not in the living room so I guess they are now in the dining room. I walk towards the dining and saw them eating just fine and talking something usually related to the business our family manages.

"Good morning, Dad. Good morning, Mom." I greeted and kissed them on the cheeks. After greeting them I silently walk towards our grandparents and greeted them like how I greeted my our parents.

I sit at my usual place during meal, lunch and dinner. Next to me is Bro Spade who he eats silently and never get involved himself to the topic in which actually Lolo started. He serves me rice and a dish in my plate before he finally spoke. I thought he's going to just stay silent and never spoke. Tsk.

"How was your sleep?"

"Fine" I lied. before i drove the spoon on to my mouth and eat the chicken with rice.

I look at my opposite side in where Lolo and Bro Spencer is talking. He's very talkative like mom does.

"Are you sure? You look tired. Haven't you sleep early?" He asked again. I know he's just worried. But I think he's nothing to worry about. I can manage myself because the feeling I felt towards Julian before is not really serious and mutual. We are just friends, acting like we're a couple. I'm still an innocent kid when he started courting me. I gave him my answer and that's where our story starts.

"Fine. Nope I'm not. I played PSP for 3 hours before I fell asleep. I enjoyed playing by the way, it's a long time since I use that." He nods and continue eating "Well, it's a great news that you two haven't use my PSP" I’m just stating the fact. They love to meddle my things as long as like to meddle on my business. My two brothers are f*****g carry one.

"I'll make sure to get it when I found it." He threatened. As if I'm scared.

"Get it if I'll allow you to get it?" I threatened him too. That makes us chuckled.

------

Today is Sunday, me and my family are now here inside the church attending the mass. This is the usual habit of my Lola Axil that we also adopt and cope her rituals during Sunday approaches. That's when she only visited only pay a visit in our house.

She stays at our one and only ancestral house in one's province. In where our great grandparents lived until their lives ends. She chooses to live there because she loves the environment and far from the busy city of manila.

There are also times that Lola scold dad because he chooses to work than to pay a visit in the church. That's when dad is about to live the house and that's also the exact time that grandpa arrives. So, dad I have no other choices but to attend mass with us whether he likes it or not. His meeting got adjourned in that afternoon's time.

Even though grandma is not around she always remind us to always pay a visit in the church to thank God for everything we have now. She may be strict but she's also kind in her own way.

The mass ended in an hour. I decided to stay outside while waiting for grandpa, grandma and my parents who is now talking to the priest about the foundation in where they still donate for the young children who haven't home to live.

I am looking for my two brothers who escape from the mass earlier. They just excused their selves to go to the C.R because they have an LBM. How smart they are when it comes to silliness.

In that mass I feel so frustrated and bored. Because my brothers we’re not there to sat beside Lola and Lolo. They're so f*****g assholes. They leave me alone with those old persons.

I am curious, how did my grandparents ended in marrying each other? They are both strict and impatient. How did they manage their selves in that case?

speaking of those assholes, I don't know where they are now. I'm just sitting right beside the statue of mother Mary Immaculate Conception. Alone and bored.

"Sis! Wanna have some fun?" I shook my head, refusing his offer. Then walk towards the nearer garden in which colorful flowers caught my attention.

"C'mon sis! This is fun! You will not regret this promise!" He won't really stop me huh? While following me here in the garden. "Stop being so rude princess c'mon!" He then captured my hand without asking me for permission to do so. When I was about to walked him out. He then dragged me to where he was planning to bring me. I just let him dragged me like I was his puppy trailing behind him.

Until we reached the Right proportion of the church in where I saw my brother Spade playing and enjoying himself with the kids. I'm happy that he starts to build himself and cheer up. Several days had passed he's always drinking alcohol, using yosi, go bar hopping, dating random girls and many other silly things that a heart broken man can do. He waved at me.

"Don't you ever say that we're going to play the games they play?" I sarcastically asked.

"Yes, we're going to play with them. Whether you say no. You're always not in the mood. Stop being rude princess it may cause you to become old early. And by the way I'm sick of it really great!" He said straight forward like a killer who wants to seek revenge.

"Then don't you f*****g see me! Cra--"

"Let's go. So much complains, I don't like it anymore." He said. Now out of bullet patience. He then dragged me again and stopped in the middle of the circle in which the Kids choses to make a figure with the use of their bodies.

"Hey! We want to join too!" Brother Spencer shouted.

"Omo! Brother handsome has a chick?" My brother’s mood suddenly changes like he was huffing. I know that it's just an act because it's too obvious that he just did it for he catches the kid’s attention again.

"You're back brother! Yeehey!"

"Sure, you can Brother!"

"Hi Ate pretty!" Says the cute little girl followed by the rest of the kids.

(Ate means: older sister in Filipino language)

"Who is She brother?! She's so pretty po!" Asked by the little boy

(Po means: a kind of respect towards the person)

"Woah! You're like a super star model Ate you are so pretty! I wish to be like you too!" Heh! Why are they insisting that I'm pretty? I'm actually not!

The group of kids in which brother Spade played into also came near me. They are so talkative that makes me laugh. Especially their cuteness. How can their parents leaved their child like this. They are so innocent to be abandoned.

"Is she your girlfriend brother?" A chubby cute kiddo once asked that makes me all laughed at brother Spencer whose face were dimmed and is burning of irritation because of sudden questions from the kids.

"Bro Spencer is not my Boyfriend, he is my brother cute little chubby" I pat and mess his curly hair. I remember how the patron Señor. Santo Niño looks like.

They all laughed and giggled. They are so cute! I should ask mom and dad about the foundation. I'm interested.

"C'mon Ate Pretty let's play!"  the kiddo named Josh held my hand with his cute little hand.

"Sure!" I said willingly to play with them. I didn't get the chance to refuse because they are so kind to be rejected.

One hour had already passed... we play different cultural games that I'd never experienced before. I feel so relaxed and enjoyed. I didn't notice that this game we play right now is so fun to play with. The kids were all energetic and hype that's why we play according to their game play wish.

"Josh! Wanna play?" Bro Spade snatch the attention of everyone while we are still resting at the bench. I saw him carrying my molten futsal ball which I didn't expect that he would snatch it from my room.

And what makes me irritated is he didn't ask for my permission. He's really a goddamn stubborn wicked creature. He winked at me while I rolled my eyes and just let him play with it now with Josh and Angelica.

The kids suddenly stopped from talking and sharing their imaginations and stories, I don't know why they become silent. I take a look at them and shocks me when they are now here in front of me staring at the ground. They didn't look at me every time I call them by their name. Am I that scary?

I invited them to play with me and said I'm not mad. And then they are now back to their usual self. We laughed so loud that catches the people's attention who came to pass by us.

Already ten kids are betting us, they need to get the ball from us, so they can now free their selves from being bet. We use our feet only. We are playing 'Hago Tunga' (which means the opponent should snatch, touch or get the ball from the other opponent) gets? It's so hard to explain. It's up to you on how you will imagine it.

This game usually played by the football and futsal players every time they do the warm-up.

The ball accidentally kicked by Angel into a wrong direction. She was about to follow it, but I stop her from running, I will be the one to get the ball so they can be safe away from the road it is dangerous for her especially she's a kid. I accompanied her first to the other kids so she can't get away and lost herself before I left to get the ball that is now rolling coming nearly to the road.

I ran after it. Only focusing to the ball. I didn't notice that I am now at middle of the road. Many people are shouting at me I don't know what they are saying but I still did follow the ball carefully without me looking around.

I already get the ball and was about to make my way back there's a motorcycle who past the speed limit that almost hit me followed by the big wheeler truck. I am stunned, but I still move slowly. When someone quickly drag me away in that pace. My heart beating so fast, my knees trembled, when we landed at the side walk. I was on top of him while he's under me. Holding my waist for me not to fall hardly.

His messy hair makes him look like a model in a famous magazine. His natural brown with the combination of gray color eyes can hypnotized every girl’s will. He has this thin and curvy red lips, as he yell the more access you see the perfect view of his lips. His thick but thin eyebrow makes him more handsome than ever. His white but slightly tanned skin makes his body twinkle like a fallen peso in the water while he's been exposed under the ray of the sun.

"Are you crazy Miss?! If you want to kill yourself don't end it here! Not in the middle of the road! Look, you just distract other people! They are shouting for you to leave in that place because many vehicles are passing after you! Because they care about you! Are you that kind of, attention seeker! Huh?! Woman!?? I don't care if you'll tell me that you are broken hearted! Or what now! I don't care!" I'm shocked but cannot seen in my face the expression I'd felt. I'm stunned because I didn't expect that it will turn out like this.

"Are you done?" I said seriously.

"What do you think?" He said sarcastically, that turns my blood boil because of the irritation I suddenly felt.

"First of all, Mr. man fucker! I'm not heartbroken. Understand? Second, I'm not a f*****g suicidal woman like what you expect to be! Third, I came to cross the road because I just want to get my goddamn ball! You asshole!" I shouted at him too. Then pull out from his arms. He's also shock. The hell I care. People are now watching us. I feel a little bit ashamed. But I didn't mind it and just check my t-shirt which is slightly that my stomach is a little bit showing. He stands up as well.

"For the ball miss? Y-you are willing to sacrifice your own safety in just for a ball? Are you crazy? He said mockingly. "you're unbelievable" he said like he can't believe me. I can sense it. I know that. I'm wronged but I check the road first.

"The heck I care with your assumptions mister fucker! That ball is better way important than your life." I look at him, mad. And then turn my back to him.

"Aren't you going to say thank you after I save you?!" He said in a sound of an irritation man. I turn again to look at him.

"For your information, I didn't wish or command you or shall we say demand at you that 'please help me!' Like that. Why do you care at all huh? As if you are my suspect?" He shut his mouth. Silent. He looked away, can't still believe on me.

"And why would I say thank you to you? Are you nuts? After you drag me and yell at me? Do you think I still have the guts to say thank you to you?! f**k to your thank you is!" After I tell him that. I walk away from him without saying goodbye. And why would I say goodbye? Tsk. In his dreams. I heard him murmured, even though I reach to far from him. Stupid!

"Kei! Where are you hiding from? We are finding you lately. We are worried!" My dad said, while massaging his head like what he ever used to when he is worrying on us.  I can say that our family is very over acting, like I don't know how to take care of myself. I'm not a child. I'm seventeen already for animal’s sake! They are so caring and so much lovable. But me? I'm such a stubborn, ruthless and a black sheep. Most appropriately in school. That's the real me.

"Where did you go at? Hmm. Kei?" Bro Spade ask while he's behind me.

"Yes yow, Lola is also worried about you sis. You will be dead girl by grandpa." Bro Spencer threatened. I guess grandpa and grandma is inside the car. As I watch the tinted car.

"I guess so," I said before entering our car who is patiently waiting for us. This is because of that bullshit man eh! My brothers followed, Bro Spade enter at the right side of the car While, Bro Spencer enter at the left side and I'm at their middle.

Minutes had passed our car stopped at a fancy restaurant that I am not familiar with. Maybe, I haven't been at places like this one. It's furniture, lightnings, arrangements make the restaurant more convincing that tend the customers come in early in the morning. Its design makes it more delight able and not so heavy in the sight of everyone who's spending their time in a fine and well-known restaurant in the town. A combination of old and modern but more on like old. In which makes you feel like you're back at old times. 

I decided to choose for a table for us family because I feel so exhausted and I really want to sit and rest now. That man will be the reason if my grandparents will be fuming angry towards me. My brothers followed too and as usual they sat beside me. Like they are my supposed bodyguards.

Grandpa sit in front of me while grandma sit in his side, Mom and dad sat in opposite side facing my two brothers. Grandpa looked at me, mad. As what I expected. Grandma look so natural with her brow shot expression.

I know I’m a brat for making them furiously mad and angry towards me. I know that very well. Many times. No need to be judge because I know better myself than they are. But how will I aware that if situation is keeping on approaching me like they have a crushed on me or something like to interrupt me? And then they can't just have a second to listen up to me. They always yell and shouted at me as well. How will I adjust in that case huh? I want to explain so bad but I feel like I’m so down and nothing to do with it.

I'm mad at myself too. If they only knew. But reality sucks that they don't know.

I even slept at night so f*****g hard because many things are bugging up on me. But suddenly, my stomach ached and growled.

"I'm hungry mom, can we order now?" I beg, suggested, but sounds like a request.

"No, we can’t! until our visitor will soon arrive." We have a visitor? I wasn't been informed that we will meet up some person huh. Grandpa pointed at me while he spoke and speak again. "Hold your hunger that’s your punishment for making us worried" f**k this punishment. I don't have a choice, but to remain silent. Until that visitor they wait have been arrived.

Tsk. over protective. I know how to take care of myself. I'm not a goddamn child anymore! This is bullshits!

"I'm really sorry for being late Mr. Belmonte" a man in his late 50's spoke. I think, this is the visitor grandpa assumed. Grandpa stand up and shakes against the hands of his visitor. Maybe his business accomplice. He has his family too. I wonder, what's going on?

"Here's my daughter in law Allison and my son Liam Selvestre. Especially my granddaughter Layla and grandson Drake" the old man said as they shake hands. I just watch at them boringly. Not including his family.

"Same here's my son Alexzander and his lovely wife Rhianne also my beautiful wife Axilla and my grandsons Spade and Spencer actually they are twins and my granddaughter Leigh Keihzza Belmonte" I keep myself silent while my stomach continue to growl craving for foods already. As I lean my head to the other table. I saw steak and a grilled pig. Ugh. I'm really hungry.

"Waiter!" I called, Authoritatively. Don't care about the introduction they have now. I just know that I'm f*****g hungry! The waiter approached me then asked, "here's the menu ma'am" he said shyly, I rolled my eyes and command the food I want to. Not accepting the menu he reached out for me.

"Serve all your famous food except shrimps and crabs. serve it after the f*****g minute the hell! I am so f*****g hungry!" It's already twelve noon. My body can't live without eating food for lunch. My grandpa and his meet ups shut their mouth. He looked at me fuming in irritation. Tsk. My two brothers bowed their head and silently cussing. I don't care! I want food.

"What!? I’m in hell with this f*****g hunger and you all, don't even order! It's been an hour for goddamn sake!" They said to me that I should wait. Then I wait, even though I'm already holding my hunger. But now, I can't hold it up any more like I really want to vomit but nothings to vomit. 

My dad shakes his head, disappointed at my sudden showing of attitude. Mom is in still shock as my dad continue to caress her back.

"Sorry for my granddaughter's stupidity and disgracefulness. She is easily gets mad and have a short temper. She is really hungry and we told her she should wait until you came Mr. Selvestre. I hope you'll spare her"

Grandma apologizes.

The table is silent when the dishes I ordered to be served has been already served.

I quickly snatched the pasta before my two brothers snatch it before me. They also love pasta. They always loved the dishes i want to eat. Like they are crazy for following my favorites.

Both of the families are talking while I stayed silent and continue eating. The food is delicious. I hope we can go back her sometime?

I listened to their discussions as well. It's all business so I quit listening and just played the salad inside the cup. I dodge the fruits using the spoon so I can get the milk that the fruits absorbed. This is also my habit when i don't even like the topic and the people around me.

I noticed that the girl named Layla from the Selvestre's is keeping on staring at me. When I looked at her, she just smiled and looked away. What's gotten into her?

"What do you think about my grandson?" The old man named Hendrix asked Lolo. While holding his coffee

"I like your grandson, unlike my granddaughter" Lolo said, disappointedly.

I won't deny that.

"Don't be like that Grey, I like your granddaughter, she's the type of girl I search for to suit with my grandson she's just being true to herself by the way, so don't treat her harshly"

"Kei?" brother Spade spoke to me.

"Hmm?" I answered with a hum.

"What if---" Bro Spade stop midway of his words when grandpa spoke again. I don't have an idea on what's going on.

"Me and Mr. Hendrix agreed to arranged marriage his grandson Drake and my Granddaughter Keihzza as an exchange in the nearer future" I'm stunned at the sudden announcement. What?! What the f**k! No, it can't be? Is he selling me? I looked at his so-called grandson, curiously. I was drawn by hunger earlier  that's why I didn’t notice him that instant.

Forgot to throw a glimpse of his family. But then, fate is really really very cruel. It shocked me and so my anger immediately arose when I saw him. The man I encountered earlier in the road. The reason why my family got disappointed at me. As I look at his eyes, I feel so anxious and distracted but I didn't show him the expression he wish. Tsk.

He winked at me that makes my blood boiled more. Is he trying to have his revenge on me? If he is. How dare him! Out of the blue sky, I stood up. Fuming mad towards all of them. I didn't expect that they will sell me like a candy in an ordinary sari-sari store. Without telling me? When will they tell me? When everything is already been settled like now? Hah! This is...

"Who said that? I will be married? Who says that you all can decide for my own? Were you all trying to disregard and will not hear me again my decisions and opinions?! I don't need anything of your care if this matter goes up! This is so bullshit! And if I could marry a man. It is not him! I will never marry that disgraceful man. End of discussion. Whether you already agree to keep us together, it will never happen. I'll make sure of that!" I walked out. Away from that restaurant. I walked down the road not minding where I was going up to. I only knew right now is, I want to stay away from them. They are not a good influence one to me. They are monsters. I can't accept this fact. I will do anything just this couldn't happen.

I may be a disgraceful daughter, granddaughter but I'm not a food or a toy to be easily sell! I may only seventeen and I freaking know that I am a f*****g minor! but, this? They will command me to marry that manlike it is just a damn natural?! They are all crazy!

Because of the burning angry, I kicked the can of sardines that immediately flew somewhere I don't know, because I didn't look for it. I just want to express my anger to anything that makes me feel good at pace.

"Hey! You!" A stranger man in his late 30's shouted. I didn't even take a glance of him because it's just a waste of time. I continue walking

"You! Disgraceful woman!" My senses awaken and turn to look at that disturbing man. The moment I turned around. They quickly throw an empty bottle of beer at me, In which, I easily avoided. But I didn't noticed that I was hit in my feet that quickly bleeds. I guess I wasn't really that quick to avoid that one.

My right foot soaked with blood. That I really want to kill that man now.

How dare he hurt me!