Falling in love with a Gangster's Empress

Chapter 2

"Baby, Karina, and Odette are on downstairs. Do you want to see and entertain them?" My mom asked and genuinely caressed my hair. Mom always has this ability to make me feel at ease.

"No, mom. I'm afraid to loosen up my temper again and hurt them. In the end, I'll just scold them and shout at them. I don't want to do that anymore. I'm now 18 I should act according to my age." Mom just nods, while still caressing my hair.

"Your gramps is mad now, did you do something horrible again? That makes him mad and stressed?" I knew she'll open up this topic.

"Yeah. That b***h teacher irritates me bad. Early yesterday morning, that freaking SSG secretary blocks my way, I'm a goddamn late mom! And we are having a pre-test yesterday, that's why grandpa is mad at me because I talked back to Mrs. Gonzales disrespectfully! You know me, mom!" I arose from laying on my bed. I'm sure dad will be mad again because I did something horrible again.

"Stop cursing, baby. I know. I understand. but please baby, keep on trying" she meant about my cursing. She is always humble that's why I keep on trying. But it's so hard. "I will tell Odette and Karina that you are not feeling well to make them understand." She hugged me thoroughly and kissed my forehead. "You’ll rest okay?" She instructed

"I will mom. Thank you. I love you" I hugged her again.

"I love you too my dear" and then she helped me lay down to my bed again. Before she leaves my room.

I hid under the comforter and decided to go to sleep again. It's Saturday, and we have no class. So, I will rest for a day. Ha... and I don't wish a day like a hell. I wanna unwind myself from stress.

It's already afternoon when I woke up. I leave the bed to take a shower. After that, I get my jerseys and wear them for my training there at the village's park. I need to jog for the preparation of the elimination sports next week.

I go down after, and immediately made my way to the kitchen because I am now craving food! I need food!

I entered the kitchen and I found my brother Spade eating pasta at the island counter. I heard my stomach growling craving for the food so, I went near him to snatch some of the pasta that also distracts him and annoyed him. I guess he's thinking about his girlfriend again? Tsk. Who just freakingly left him behind. Better for him to forget that woman coz she's not worthy.

Yum! damn pasta! I'm nowhere.

"Get your own food Leigh, don't snatch the food that is not yours! Can't you see? I'm eating! Where're your manners now?" He said, annoyingly. I didn't listen to him and just continue snatching pasta on his plate.

"You know I love pasta, brother." I sit beside him "let's share?" I said Sweetly and genuinely. That makes him more annoyed.

"The heck I care! Kei." I can't hold myself anymore. I laughed profusely because his face cannot be drawn anymore.

"Whatever"

"Get your own food Leigh Keihzza! This is mine! What the?!" I laughed nonstop because he takes away his plate so I can never reach for it but I'm now persistent. I reach for it and snatch for some pasta again. I don't care if he will get mad. I just want him to forget that woman, she's not as good like I imagine. She's not deserving for my brother to waste his tears.

It's way better than to think that woman.

"I don't feel like getting my food big bro. Get me some please" I show my puppy eyes to him so I can please him. While he's still annoyed.

"Fine! you little brat!" He gave up. I knew it! I smiled. He can't still bear himself on my commands. He still tolerates me with my wishes, even though he's not in the mood. "Thank you, big bro! I owe you so much!"

Like me, my brother Spade is also an impatient one. But mine is the least among his. He is also my best friend here in the house, my mom, dad, and my brother Spencer know that. I can still remember how brother Spencer got upset and can't accept the fact that I choose brother Spade over him. We just laughed at him because of how he reacted and how he walked out to us.

I chose Brother Spade over Brother Spencer it's because he's like my human diary. That doesn't mean that I don't like Brother Spencer, I love my brothers so much. That's the fact that I want to share now, I just don't want him to get involved in the things he's not suitable for. And we both agreed on that. I mean me and Brother Spade.

He placed the plate with pasta on it at the table and silently get back to his sit and continue eating. I do the same. I stayed silent and didn't bug him anymore while we are in the middle of taking our breakfast. If I do that once again, it may cause me trouble with him. I can't bear that.

Until we finished eating. We talked about some things but can't take it any longer because I still have to do the usual individual training like I always do every weekend.

"Hey, bud!" Brother Spencer interrupted us in the middle of talking, we stopped and gave him a nod. He tapped Brother Spade's shoulder that until now who is not in the mood.

"Yo, sis!" He greeted, graciously. The reason why I can't afford him to enter my hidden world is, He's too innocent. and I cannot bear to destroy the life he enjoys exploring.

"I have to go" I excused myself and leave them there so they can have some bond? Knowing brother Spencer, he's the type of person who has many gimmicks. I'm sure he will not leave the house without Brother Spade at his side. I sometimes think, if my brother, Brother Spencer is gay? He's different. I mean, I don't understand what he's doing every time I followed him. Maybe I'm just kind of weirdo? That's why I can't understand the different activities he's in?

I went outside our house so I can also start my thing. I do stretching first to avoid having some pain. After stretching, I went for a jog. After a few hours of jogging, I let myself rest. I looked at my wristwatch to check the time. It's now exactly 5:30 p.m. the color of the sky is changing into orange, with a combination of blue.

Just like how the person changes. At first, we thought that we knew them very well. They may be kind, clumsy, thoughtful, helpful, or anything that shows a good side of a person. But we didn't know the opposite side from what we see from them. Not only the sky can change its color, but also the color of a person. I know you know what I mean to say, I am stating how the person changes their attitude and behavior towards any things.

Like for example, my brother. Before April came into his life, he spent his entire attention just only me and my family. But when April disappears without any explanation, he feels so down now. He's sad and hopeless. That he doesn't like to bond himself with us, and chose to be alone. He loses his motivation from going and continues living his life without April on his side anymore. I feel so sad and pity for him.

I don't want my brother to suffer and cage himself just like that. I want to take the pain away from him so he could be free from sadness. I want to get the pain he feels right now. But no matter how much I want to. I can't do anything about it. Because it's his challenge to strive for. It's a feeling that I can't get away from him. That's what makes the real sad. We can't pass through the pain if we keep on hiding and keeping the memories that are not good to keep. It will just make you go crazy.

Love? That's the stage of what my brother is facing right now. Love can change you more than you expect. It gives you a feeling that can't be easily forgotten. It gives you the satisfaction you are longing for. It is a feeling of strong affection for a person. Like, love at first sight? But, love is not just only have four letters and one word. It has a lot of meanings. It is something like a gun that only the both of you can trigger. That leads to killing the relationship that you two, had made. Without circumstances is not called love. You'll get suffer first. Feel the whiplash of each other’s problems. You'll cry, you'll get hurt, you'll get jealous before you can call it love.

The moon is now in its usual place. Shining like a dazzling diamond as it gives the light in the middle of the night.

"Beautiful," I said. Amazed by its tantalizing brightness. "How does it feel to be there?"

"You will know if you'll go and reach for it," I asked. But I did not expect someone to answer it for me.

I turned my attention to the person who is now standing beside me. He is tall, his skin color is like a foreign citizen. But his beauty is a real Filipino. I think he is half foreign? half Filipino? I guess so. He looks at me, observing me as he knows me very well. I don't have a foreign friend like this man. He has a perfect sharp nose that makes him look gorgeous. His eyes were a little bit dimmed and tantalizing to look at, enough to get the attention of every girl he encountered. His red and kissable lips slightly protruded that makes him look like a grown man.

He is handsome but it doesn't matter to me now. Because I believe every human living here on earth has its beauty and credibility to catch everyone's attention.

"How are you?" the man asked. I winced. That makes my curiosity arose. Does he know me? How?

"Who are you?" But instead of answering his question, I asked him. He sat beside me and watch the children play some cards not so far in front of us. He’s handsome. I won’t deny that. And this is the first time I saw him here. Maybe he is a new neighbor of ours?

"You'll kill me if I tell you" That's what he said. Why would I kill him since I don't know him after all? This man is weird. Tsk. How many stalkers do I have now? Maybe I should ask for the development of the security in this village so they can no longer let intruders came in.

I hate being followed by a fan nor a stalker.

"Here" he lends him to me his handkerchief. "Why are you lending that to me?" I asked while looking down at his hand that is holding the handkerchief. Referring to his handkerchief that I still didn't get out from his hand.

"Wipe your sweat. It may cause you to have asthma again." Who is this man? Why did he know about my asthma? Is he that great stalker? Damn... I don't f*****g know this man. Is he also a spy? My head is starting to burn out my patience.

"Don't touch me!" I disregard his persistent hand away from me. When he was about to wipe my head. I don't know this man. I need to be cautious or else this guy will find out who I am.

"I just want--"

"Don't go near me," I warned him as I walk back away from the stranger.

"Good evening Ma'am Kei. Your tub is now ready for you ma'am" one of the trusted maids here in our house 'Yaya Adelle' said. She's in her mid 40's already. I wear the slipper she gives before I spoke to her.

"Nay, could you please don't call me that way? I don't feel like a ma'am here and I don't like it. Just call me by my name or so, whatever you are comfortable with." She obliges and nods at me. Before excusing herself to continue her work there in the kitchen. Suddenly, I spoke again which makes her pause from walking.

(Nanay means: mother in Filipino)

"Please also inform the other maids, I don’t want to hear much higher respect when I'm around. Whether they like it or not I will fire them if they don't want my rule" Nanay Adelle is a trustworthy maid, she is like my second mother whenever and wherever my parents are not around. She is also the one who takes care of me since I was a kid.

"Okay, Nak." Nanay Adelle said. Almost stuttering.

(Nak/Anak means: baby/son/ daughter in the Filipino language)

"That's better, Nay. From now on I'll call you that. Please get used to it" I saw her stilled and shock at the same time. I just smiled, before taking the staircase.

I entered my room and went immediately to the tub in which Nanay Adelle prepared for me. "Who are you?" I was referring to the strange man I had talked with. Earlier. I'm playing the bubbles while thinking about the possible people who know me. I even call Nate to ask about it. But he has no idea too. He said he will be taking some investigation to check if we know that man.

After taking a bath, I change my clothes and decided not to go downstairs. It's still seven in the evening and I'm not still hungry yet. I let myself bore and tired in bed. Keep on rolling like a fresh lumpia. I remember back then when I was still a kid. Grandma always came here to pick me up. Always loses her temper because I never listen to her words of wisdom when I enjoy playing myself. I understand that she's just worried if I fall off the bed. That's the time I and Keihzzara like to teased our grandparents. Compare to Keihzzara she's jolly and happy to play with. Lola loves her more than me. But still, I'm glad and contented that I have a loving and caring family

My phone vibrated. I quickly check on it. Maybe that is an update from Nate?

[tomorrow at exactly 5:00 am sharp]

I boringly tuck myself in bed again. After reading my coach's message.

"Hey, Sis!" Brother Spencer called. Slightly showed his face in the door. "What do you want?" I asked. Sounding like a mad girl.

"You're so harsh to me baby girl!" He hissed. I smirked and walk towards my walk-in closet to get something. I came back not minding his presence, I’m sure he's here to annoy me again.

"Julian is here," he said seriously which makes me pause from what I am doing. That man earlier, he shouldn't be Julian right? It can't be. I mean, I didn't saw him for a long time. After he leaves like what April Sandoval did.

"And Then?" acting like I don't care at all. But my mind is in the middle of processing so my system can take it

He smiled at me as he also approach me then touches my arms, "Aren't you happy? He's here now!" Why would I be happy? after what he did to me? Never! I don't like a liar person. He shouldn't show his face to me, or it'll make me mad at him more. Who would be happy if your man left you without explaining to you? No one right?

I pull his hands off of me and walk past him "Tsk. Are you out of your mind Bro? What do you think? that it makes me happy when he left without any explanations to me? any words? Nor farewell, I receive nothing. A letter or any goodbyes from him? None! This is crazy" I may haven't seen him but my presentiment is strong that he can be possibly Julian. And I don't want to see him yet.

"Oh! I forgot. I'm sorry little sis! Should I shoo your.... shall we call ex?" He's not sincere in that state, huh? He's mocking me all the time. I throw him my pillow, but he just expertly avoided it. Damn, annoying brother.

"Get lost bro! And get the hell out of here! I don't want to see your ugly face! Shoo!" I ran and pushed him out of my room.

1 hour later...

I draw my last project for the day on my last piece of band paper, when I heard three knocks from the door. I stood up and was about to go and open the door when it suddenly open. It's Bro Spade.

"Did you draw the figure I told you last time?" He asked as he approached my place. Talking about the house we saw last month during our trip.

"Take it. Tell me if there's a part you want to change" I gave him the first figure I draw while I arrange the rulers, pencil, and pens into its case.

"He's still waiting." suddenly he opened up about it while staring at the sketch

I heard him sigh, "Are you that mad for you not to forgive him? Little Sis?" He said sincerely that makes me also realize one thing. If I will not face him, he'll continue to bug me. If I face him now, there's a possibility that he will not bug me anymore, because knowing Julian Montero is the kind of person whose brain is not stable. So, he will stop you, until he gets the satisfaction he wants.

"I will face him. You go first, I'll get change first" he then obliged and leave.

"What will you do if she doesn't want to see you?" Bro Spade asks seriously.

"I will leave and come back, next time bro. I will not stop coming to here until she forgives me bad"

I overheard them talking. I look at the man who is sitting on the couch. His attention was on the floor while he answered.

I was stunned at the thought of my perception earlier was right. It's impossible for a random guy knows me. Because my identity is private. And I only have few persons whom I trusted to hid it secretly. but unfortunately, I gain my senses again and walk towards them.

He rose himself from sitting, by the time he noticed me. He was about to kiss and hug me when I get to pass through him. I don't want any foolish things to happen again. It's better to avoid and end this while it's still early.

We are now young adults and I know he would understand my decision. He's not also a kid anymore, he should learn to distance himself because what we had before is already done. Now, is different. I change, everything changes. And we can never turn back the time. What is past will ever stay in the past.

I don't care if he would still insist on himself from me. Because for me, what is done is already done. You can call me a brat, b***h? stone hearted? I don't care at all. Once a person lied, he or she can never change the fact that he lied.

"Can you please leave us alone, bro?" He asked permission from my brothers. They both nod and leave.

"I'm sorry, I did leave you without asking your permission you. My parents are too strict--"

"Strict? I know that already. What else? Make it quick, I have something important to do more than this" he always makes his parents as an excuse. How cruel he was. I know he has a deeper reason why he leaves me. I know I'm still young at that time and he's sixteen but I know what's going on with him but I didn't tell him because he will just it's nothing.

"I'm sorry I know that I'm an asshole, bastard for leaving you without knowing where I’m going to. My parents forced me to come with them there in Singapore, when the plane landed at Singapore's airport many media blocked our way. So, I don't have any idea what's going on. But, months later, since that day, I found out that our family business here in the Philippines has been raided by the mafias. I don't have any idea who's the intruder or the person from mafias who serves as the spy inside the company. That day also, I was planning to surprise you because it's our friendship anniversary. The day that your brother introduced you to me." I am listening to him calmly but deep inside me is eating all the blame, I felt towards him. I didn't know anything happened to them. I only knew that they're gone. I'm fourteen when he leaves, I'm still a trainee back then. So, I don't have a choice but, to focus on the trials that Mufasa gives.

"I was very mad at myself and especially to my parents for not letting me go to you and see you even just a little bit. I regret it so much. You don't know how much I miss you every single day there in Singapore. I want to go home but, I can't. I want to text you so bad but, I still can't. My parents blocked my sources to contact and go home here. I'm sorry, for leaving you Kei. I regret it so much that I'm willing to get drown in hell just so you can forgive me." My tears fall unexpectedly while listening to his reasons.

I feel so disappointed for accusing him of the things that he never did. I'm so dumb not to know the exact reason was and just let myself be eaten by my fool speculations.

He went near me and hushed me up. I am still crying that I cannot even hush myself. I will never forgive myself. The accusations I embarked on have been easily fallen into pieces. I don't know what to say anymore. I want to hide in my room just so he can't see me.

"I don't know. I don't know Jul" I said almost a whisper and stuttered in between my sobs. He also cried and sit right beside me. He didn’t stop and just continue to hush me and comfort me.

Odette came unexpectedly with her usual expression plastered on her face. I turn my back and immediately wipe my tears off of my face. So, she wouldn’t see me in this state.

"OMG! Is that you Julian?!" Odette shouted like she's so amazed that she saw Julian. I covered my ears because of her sharp voice. When should she get change herself from being so childish? "You changed a lot!"

"Thank you cousin!" he said courteously.

"Why don't you visit mama, I’m sure she will be surprised if she'll see you!"

"I will. Maybe tomorrow. I'll visit Tita Avonne too after I visit Tita Anette"

"Oh great! Where's Spencer Best?" I rolled my eyes when she mentioned Best. I'm still mad at them but, I think I should open up myself for forgiveness and forgive them too. They're my friend and I realized, no perfect person is living here in the world. We all commit mistakes so I think it's fair play for us.

I pointed to the kitchen, not answering her because when Bro Spencer finds out that Odette is here again he might be dead when the sun rises at the morning shine.

"I'm sorry," Julian said breaking the silence formed between us.

"I'm sorry too," I said. Regretfully.

"Don't say sorry to me. I must be the one who's saying that to you. I should be the only one who's an apology---"

"I accuse you, Julian! I accused you to hell! If you only knew, I've been a f*****g bad girl since you l-left. B-because It-thought, I thought..." I cried in his arms again. Can't hold my tears anymore as he caressed my back thoroughly. It calms me, his touch makes me feel at peace. But this is not right.

"Why?"

"Nothing, I think I need to rest" I hurriedly ran towards my room and close it. Catching my breath, I cried again and again until I fell asleep on the floor.

We don't usually expect things could become this worst.

I know it's rude that I walked out just like that after our sympathy. But this is not right. This is not good.