Chapter 7: Chapter 266 - Protect
Keifer's POV
I'm not myself at home. I went to the basement where we stayed.
I went straight to the Mini Bar and just picked up some wine. I couldn't look at the brand anymore. I just clicked to ease the weight of my heart.
But alcohol has not been used. Even if I consume all the alcohol here, nothing will change my feelings.
Angelo is right. I have to push Jay-jay away from me but I have to feel numb in order to do that. I might be the first to give up when I see her struggling.
But I really can't. I will give up my life. If I do that, I will die.
"Kuya..." Someone called.
I turn around to check. It was Keigan walking slowly in the darkness.
"It's night..... You should go to sleep." I said in a calm voice.
"I've slept too much. I'll probably be back in the room soon." He said and forced a smile. "...Do you have a problem? Why are you still up and drinking?"
The way Keigan speaks makes me confuse. He's too far away from the Keigan I spoke this morning. He sounds normal.
"Same things of course." I answered.
There was a time when I told him a problem. I don't want him to feel that my heart is moving away from him or Keiren. So, as soon as I can tell him, I say. But there are times that I have to shut my mouth.
I approached him and asked him to sit on the floor. We lean back on the couch to get more comfortable. When we're in this position, we're just like normal siblings.
"How was your day?" I asked him.
I haven't said hello in a long time. Honey was right in what she told me this morning.
"I sleep for a whole day." He answered and shortly laugh. "...How about you?"
I shook my head. "Not good."
"Why?"
"Things are being fucked up."
"Do you feel pressured? You don't need to rush. You still have a month to think about it."
"That's not the only problem I have." I look down and shake the bottle of alcohol in my hand.
"Is it about her?"
Keigan's voice suddenly sounded disappointed. I know he doesn't like Jay-jay. For him, she was a hindrance.
"Yes, it's about her." He didn't say a thing so I choose to continue talking about her. "...I have to protect her from Clyde and from me. But I can't let go of her. She's my life."
I heard Keigan's sigh. "Think of this Brother. Can you handle seeing a gun pointed at her head or can you handle seeing her hurt because you love her."
I shook my head. Actually there's no difference. Hurting her so bad is like killing her and me. Hitting to birds in one stone but the idea of her having a lifeless body is more horrible.
"I can't handle both." I answered and a few tears fell from my eyes. "...but I'd rather hurt her than let her die because of me."
"You don't have to feel bad about it. You really have to make sacrifices. You can't protect both Jay-jay and us at the same time. You can't because you don't have your inheritance yet." He said in a very calm voice. "...But look on the bright side. This is just for a moment, sooner you can have your money. You can protect her and never loose her again. You will have all the time in the world to win her back."
I'm hopeless. I will never win her back. Once I let her go, Yuri or David will take advantage of that. They will do everything to have Jay-jay for their selves.
And I will loose her forever.
"I hate my life." I said and wipe my tears.
Keigan laugh. "You wouldn't hate our lives."
And I laugh with him. We're sitting on the floor, resting our back at the back of the couch and laughing together are bringing back memories.
It's a wave of nostalgia.
I really wished we have a normal family. A lovely Mom that's still alive. A supportive Dad that's put the family first. And the three of us, Me Keigan and Keiren.
"I think we should go to bed. Especially you." Keigan said and I couldn't disagree. "... You look so stressed."
"I am indeed."
He stood up first and I followed. I returned the bottle I was holding to the Mini Bar before walking out.
We're both in silence while walking together to our own bed rooms. I stop in front of Keiren's room door.
"It's night. I'll just check Keiren."
He nodded and started walking. I slowly opened the door to Keiren's room. His favorite mushroom lamp is on. It helps him calm down every time he's having trouble sleeping.
I slowly walk towards him. I picked up his blanket that had fallen on the floor because of his mischievous sleep. I rubbed it on him. Sorry Keiren, sorry if you didn't experience having parents.
I'm trying to be your Mom and Dad but I know it's not enough. I hope you will be strong even without them. I hope you don't lose confidence in yourself. I hope you will be strong, more than me or Keigan. I hope you don't end up like me.
I kissed his forehead before leaving his room. I slowly closed the door and walked to my room.
I feel exhausted. I unbuttoned my uniform one by one. When I got to my room I took off my polo shirt. I just threw stones at kama non, a wallet size picture fell out.
I lost my mind...
I took it and looked at it. Unlike before, I couldn't smile when I saw her face.
"Jay-jay..." I said and sit at the edge of my bed. "...I know there's a chance that you will never forgive me but I assure you, I will do anything to become stronger." I put down her picture from my bedside table. "...and once I do, I will protect you no matter what."
As of now, let me save you from my relatives and.....from me. For now I will focus on my brothers first. They need me too.
I spent most of the night thinking about what could happen. I couldn't get dressed and fell asleep on my own. I still smell of alcohol that I'm sure has stuck to my bed.
I woke up to a knock on my bedroom door. Headaches are kicking in again. I tried to get up even though my body didn't want to leave the bed.
"Come on! Wake up!" It was Keiren knocking at my door. "Get some malate for Kuya Keigan and me!"
"Okay! I'm up!" I shouted.
He stopped knocking. I washed my face with my hand. I feel dizzy and feel like my brain is going to explode with every move I make.
I tried to get up and when I stood up, I almost fell over. I have to take Keigan and Keiren to school. And I also have to deal with Jay-jay.
It has to be today...
I intend to spend a few more days. I don't want to hurt her
one after the other but that's what is needed. I don't want to prolong it because I might not be able to stand it and I won't be able to do what I plan to do..
I went straight to the bathroom and took a shower. I didn't take long and got dressed right away. I look at myself in the mirror. My eyes are lifeless and cold.
After getting dressed, I went straight to Dining where I ate my brothers have breakfast
Keigan looks good today. Like he never cried yesterday. His actions are also normal, like the natural things I see in him.
"Eat breakfast." I heard someone's order.
I looked at it and raised my eyebrows. "Why are you here again?" I asked irritatedly.
"There's no breakfast at home, I'll get something to eat." Honey answered.
I rolled my eyes. She's turning my house into a hangout. Then she will say that her Uncle scolds her for coming here so often.
"What's with your look? You look like a troubled grumpy young man left by a jowa." She said before swallowing her food.
"Just eat if you don't want to never be able to eat here again."
She just shrugged and continued. I took a glass of coffee and drank it. I really don't feel like eating. I am not aware of my hunger because of the weight of my feelings.
Keigan and Keiren finished eating first. I ask them to wait for me outside. When I made sure they were gone, I approached Honey.
"Where's Keigan's maid? Kate." I asked.
She suddenly stop eating and look at me with so much confusion.
"She left. Just last night."
My forehead crease. "What?"
"Your butler said to run away."
"But why?"
"Don't know."
I turned my back on her and let her continue eating. Why is she leaving? I don't know how many times Keigan's Maid left my house.
Arriving at the garage, I saw Keiren standing next to my car. Keigan is standing silently while reading a book. He adjusted the glass before moving the page in his hand.
I chose to ignore the Maid's departure. My next time let them understand.
I unlock my car and ask them to get in.
"I will put my seatbelt." Keiren said before I could touch him.
"You said so."
I let him do it and get in at the driver's seat. I started the car and drove them both away.
They both have different schools. Keigan's school is focusing more on academics than other activities, such as sports. He chose the school that suits him because he is smart. After all, they are the same as Ci-N.
After dropping them off, I didn't want to go straight to school. It's like I don't want to drive and I'd rather crash the car into a pot.
This is a punishment for me and it will also be a punishment for Jay-jay. But I have to follow my plan. I have to save her.
Arriving at school, I parked the car and got out. Few students come because it's early.
While walking towards our room, I felt like I was walking towards my death. Every step I take is heavy.
I want this day to end.
Arriving at the room, Eman and Josh are already inside. Rory and Edrix were also with them. They both fell silent when I entered. I went straight to my seat and sat down listlessly.
It didn't take long for Drew to enter the door followed by Blaster. They looked at me for a moment and avoided me as if I was sick.
I waited for a few moments before the rest of them arrived. Most of them avoid me and it's like I don't want to be with them anymore.
"Why! It's different when you have a thick face!" Mayo said before sitting on his place.
"You can shut up." Kit said.
Some parts of his face are still swollen. All I know is that he almost fell into a coma, but he woke up quickly. I don't even know why he was discharged from the hospital.
I don't know how to apologize to him.
"I guess it's your morning today." Yuri said before sitting down. "...did something happen?"
I just looked at him for a moment before returning my gaze to the door. I'm waiting for her to come inside.
I saw Ci-N approaching me. I immediately signaled him to stop.
"Stay right there."
"K-keifer... It's about Jay-jay."
I arched a brow. "And so?"
I can feel our classmates listening. I also know that it is not they liked my answer. "What the hell is wrong with you? Keifer." Yuri asked with an irritated sound.
"Nothing is wrong with me. But there is something with you."
I heard few of them chuckled in disbelief.
"Listen first Keifer." Ci-N looks worried. "...Jay-jay had an accident yesterday. That's why she seems to be struggling."
I knew it already. Angelo told me and showed me a CCTV footage from a crossing.
"Who cares." I answered sounding not really cared.
But I do.
We are currently looking for those with motorbikes. I have a clue as to who they are. Confirmation is all I need and I will hunt them down.
"Who cares? Are you crazy Keifer?" David asked annoyed. "...Don't you even feel guilty for what you did?"
I didn't answer him and just stared at them. They looked at each other and seemed to know if they thought the same about me.
"It looks like it's here." Felix said and all of them looked at him. "...You made your plan yesterday. Is that right?"
"Keifer..."
"How is Jay-jay?"
"I thought we stopped that?"
They reacted almost simultaneously. They could not accept what Felix said.
That's it. This is the only way I can think of. I don't like it but this is the most effective way. I know Jay-jay will also be angry with them, but unlike me there is a chance to forgive them.
I had a different plan at first. I was planning to involve a woman, but knowing Jay-jay, she might just get beaten up.
"You've made your plan. What are you planning on Jay-jay?"
Eman said.
"Let's just say that Keifer was just driven by anger. Let's not say what we did." It was Blaster looking so worried.
"Jay-jay will be angry with us." Ci-N said almost about to cry.
"I don't understand what you're doing." Yuri said
"Let's say it. No more, that's where the discussion will go to." Eren sounds irritated.
"We can't do that!" Kit said.
"Tell me the truth!" David also shouted.
"Don't order Keifer!" Rory shouts at David. "...He will say it too. All that is needed is the right time."
"I feel sorry for Jay-jay." Ci-N said while looking down.
"He said stop that plan!" Eman said, he's obviously mad.
"It's as if you're one of the leaders of that sneaky plan!" Denzel scolded.
Now they're pointing their fingers at each other. Take the blame but there is only one person to blame for this.
But I
"Just say it properly and then we'll apologize." Blaster suggested.
"It's just that easy, what?" Drew said sarcastically.
"Jay-jay will never forgive us." Yuri said.
"We will ask for forgiveness." Said Rory.
"It's not that easy." Edrix answered.
They keep suggesting things to do and blaming each other. But one thing is for sure. They want me to tell the truth. They want me to tell her. But all the collisions stop when she step her foot inside our classroom.
My heart is beating so fast.
"J-jay-jay...." They almost whispered.
"W-what's truth? What's the plan?"
And that moment, I know we're both going to have a broken heart.