Jay-jay's POV
Thinking it over? Foolish!
Who am I kidding? Myself? I know very well that I love him and want to be with him. I have my fears, but I also know I want a proper label for us.
Who would last in this kind of relationship? You can't even call what we're doing, a real relationship.
So annoying.
I kept thinking about what I said to Keifer. I couldn't even enjoy my Saturday. Instead of going out and having fun, here I am, tossing and rolling around in bed.
Well, not that I could move around properly because of my knee. It feels like my knee and elbow hurt even more. My whole body feels heavy, like I'm coming down with a fever.
I checked my phone to read my texts. Yuri still hasn't replied. I wanted to stay updated on what he's doing in case something like the other night happened again.
There were a few texts from Ci-N, Percy, and GagangBaliw. But I didn't want to open my messenger — those Ulupongs would surely flood it with noise.
I looked up when I heard someone knock. Not long after, the door opened, and there stood Kuya Angelo.
I sat up quickly. "K-Kuya."
"Are you meeting up with Percy?" he asked, which surprised me.
"No. Why?"
He held out his hand in front of me. "Your phone."
I was so confused by his behavior. I didn't want to hand it over, but I was afraid he'd scold me, so I gave it to him. I was shocked when he slipped it into his pocket. I thought he just wanted to check something.
"No phone for now," he said, turning to leave. But I grabbed his arm.
"W-wait. What's wrong with my phone? Why can't I use it? What if someone texts me something important—?"
I tried to reason, but he cut me off quickly.
"If it's really important, they'll come find you here," he said and continued walking out of the room.
I hurriedly followed him. Even though I was limping, I still managed to keep up.
"Wait, Kuya. What's going on?"
He ignored me and kept walking. It was like I didn't exist.
"Kuyaaa…"
Still no response. When we reached the stairs, I had to stop. This was as far as I could go — my knee couldn't handle the descent. I ended up sitting on one of the steps, watching him walk away.
"Kuuyyyaaaaa… What am I supposed to use now? I can't even play games."
"Shut up!" he shouted without looking back.
"Kuuuuuuyyyyyyaaaaaaaaaa!" I shouted back too, but he didn't pay me any attention. "My phone, Kuya!"
Even after he disappeared from sight, I was still on the stairs. I stared at the steps. I wanted to go down, but it'd hurt my butt if I slipped again.
I looked back when I felt someone approaching. My fate was coming closer, texting on his phone. He didn't seem to notice me.
When he reached the first step, I wrapped my arms around his leg. He flinched and shouted.
"What the hell? Let go!" he ordered angrily.
"Aaaarrriiiieeessss! Carry me down!" I pleaded, still clinging to his leg.
"Let go! I'm not carrying you!" He tried to pry my hands off, but he had to grab the stair railing to keep his balance.
"Come on! I want food!"
"When have you ever said no to food?"
He swatted at my hands to make me let go, but I just held on tighter.
"Jay-jay! We're going to fall!" he said seriously, so I finally let go.
"Come on, just carry me," I begged, almost in tears.
I even pressed my palms together in front of me. I would've knelt if I could, but since I couldn't, I just gave him puppy eyes.
He seemed to take pity on me. He stood in front of me and turned his back.
"Alright, I'll carry you," he said, and I grinned widely.
I immediately climbed onto his back, and he adjusted my position. I wanted to clap in excitement, but I was afraid I'd make him lose his balance.
He took each step carefully. When we reached the last step, he was about to put me down, but I clung to him again.
"To the kitchen," I ordered.
"What?"
"Come on, take me to the kitchen," I insisted, shaking him a little.
"Once your knee's better, you're dead," he threatened before starting to walk toward the kitchen.
I just laughed. I knew he wouldn't get back at me. He'd probably forget about it anyway.
He put me down near the fridge because he knew that's where I'd head first.
"Thanks," I said happily, and he just rolled his eyes.
I started looking for something to eat. Everything I saw was sweet, but I was craving rice. Since we'd be eating soon anyway, I decided to focus on snacks for now.
While I was busy checking every container I saw, I heard Tita Gema's voice, sounding like she was shouting and panicking.
"Angelo! Get the car ready! We're going to Jeana!" her voice echoed all the way to the kitchen.
Her voice gradually got louder, so I realized she was coming closer. I quickly hid behind the counter in case she noticed me. I could hear the frantic footsteps of someone walking into the kitchen.
"Manang… Please watch the kids for now," I heard Tita say to one of the maids.
She was clearly in a rush to leave. I couldn't help but feel anxious. They were going to see Mama — but they were just there yesterday. I quickly ran to the living room when I heard their car leave.
I forgot all about my knee pain. I looked for Aries, who was in the laundry room, seemingly looking for some clothes.
"Aries! Aries!" I called out to him.
"What now?" he asked, annoyed.
"Let's follow Tita and Kuya!" I pleaded. "I think something happened to Mama!"
"Are you sure about that?"
I nodded hesitantly, then shook my head before grabbing his hand and pulling him.
"I have a bad feeling! I just know something's up!"
He had no choice but to go along with me. Since his car wasn't around, we had to hail a taxi. Aries gave the driver the address. I didn't even bother thinking about our safety — whether someone might try something or kidnap us again. All that mattered to me was getting to Mama.
I hoped I was wrong.
I kept biting my lip, urging the driver to hurry up. But because of the heavy traffic, we had to stop repeatedly.
"Are we still far?" I asked Aries.
"That's the tenth time you've asked," he replied irritably.
"Want me to make it a hundred?" I challenged, and he raised his hand as if to smack me.
I quickly used my hands to shield myself.
I was about to ask again when I spotted the corner where Mama and that annoying Andy, who apparently has a college-girl mistress, had built their new house.
Gossip alert.
I spotted the house and Kuya Angelo's car right away. Aries told the driver to stop and paid since I didn't bring my wallet. And I was the one who insisted on coming. Good thing he had money.
I quickly got out of the taxi and ran inside. Even from the doorway, I could hear the shouting.
"What's really going on?" Mom's voice.
"Jeana! Calm down first!" Tita Gema.
When I entered, Mama and Andy were facing off. Tita Gema was behind Mama, trying to mediate. Kuya was nearby, watching what would happen, close to Tita Gema
"You bastard! And you're talking about marriage!" Mama screamed, hitting Andy.
"Just listen to me first!" Andy retorted.
I didn't know why, but my head was throbbing as I watched them. Dizziness crept in, and my breathing seemed to slow. My heart was pounding so hard I had to clutch my chest.
Why does this feel so familiar?
Mom kept lunging at Andy, trying to hit him, and he kept dodging and blocking. My mother cursed at him so fiercely that if words could kill, Andy would've bled out already.
Tita Gema kept trying to pull Mama away, but she kept swinging and kicking. Andy was clearly starting to lose his patience.
"Just listen!"
"What lies are you going to tell now? I've caught you red-handed!" Mama shouted, still trying to slap him.
"How can we understand each other if you won't listen to my explanation?"
Mom kept cursing, and Andy was clearly getting offended. Their shouting match escalated until Andy raised his hand, poised to slap Mama.
My feet moved on their own, charging at Andy. It was like my body had a mind of its own as I crashed into him. We both fell to the floor.
"Jay-jay! Child!" Mama screamed when she realized what I had done.
I quickly stood up, holding my head because of the sudden dizziness. My vision started to darken, but images began to flash before me.
I could see Mama—but there were others, too. People I didn't recognize. Their voices were muffled, their words unclear, but one thing was certain: they were hurting Mama.
"MA!" I screamed with all of my strength.
My vision cleared again. The first person I saw was Andy, who was getting up from the fall just like me.
The rapid beating of my heart from earlier sped up even more. I could literally feel my ears heating up and throbbing. In an instant, all the rage I'd buried inside me surged to burst out— a mix of hatred, fear, and pain.
"DON'T YOU DARE HURT MY Mama!"
"Jay-jay!" Kuya called out to me, but I ignored him.
It was like I couldn't hear anything anymore. My body felt heavy, and I didn't know what to do next. All I could think about was Mama and me.
This man is going to hurt Mama, and she needs help. I have to save her.
I will save Mama!
My eyes quickly scanned the room, and the knife on the table was the first thing I saw. I immediately grabbed it and pointed it at Andy.
"Jay! Put that down!" Mama screamed.
"Oh my God! Jay!" Tita Gemagasped, moving closer to Kuya.
"Drop it!" Kuya ordered, about to approach me, so I pointed the knife at him instead.
I didn't understand why they were stopping me. They should be helping me because this man was going to hurt Mama.
He'll hurt us too.
"What are you doing? Put that down!" Aries tried to step closer to me.
"I-I have to save Mama! This man will only hurt her!" I screamed hoarsely as tears spilled down my face.
I gripped the knife tightly with both hands, trying to hide the trembling in my body. I kept swallowing hard. I couldn't deny it—I was terrified. But Mama needed me.
Kuya tried to approach again, but I stepped back. I was so confused. They should be on my side. I had to get Mama away from him. She would only get hurt again.
…Again?
I pointed the knife back towards Andy when he shifted slightly.
"DON'T COME NEAR MAMA!" I yelled, bringing the knife closer to him.
"JAY-JAY!" Mama shouted loudly.
"Jay! Listen to me! Give me that!" Kuya commanded angrily, stepping closer.
I backed away and bumped into something. They were surrounding me now, and it scared me. I felt like they were ganging up on me.
"Jay-Jay, please….just hand it over," Aries pleaded softly.
Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. Why was this happening? It felt like I was the only one who understood the danger. Why couldn't they see what I saw?
"Calm down, no one is going to hurt you," Tita Gema said.
I slowly sank to the floor, still crying. The knife slipped from my hands, and Kuya quickly took it away. When I looked up, Mama and Aries immediately embraced me.
"Enough... No one will hurt you. I won't let anyone hurt you," Aries whispered.
"Forgive me... Please forgive Mama..." Mama kept repeating through her tears.
My arms slowly rose to hug them back. I was so confused. I didn't understand what was happening to me — why I felt so scared and why I had the courage to point a knife at someone.
In my overwhelming anger and terror, I felt capable of doing anything!
No words came out of me. I just kept crying whenever they spoke to me. I lost track of how long I cried in their arms.
Even when they moved me to the sofa to sit, I was still gasping from crying. Tita Gema gave me some water to calm me down, but my stomach felt like it was turning with every swallow. I stayed clinging to Aries, who sat beside me, while Mama kept wiping my tears and kissing me.
"I think you need to tell us the truth… now," Kuya demanded from Andy. "Why are you canceling the wedding?"
"I received death threats from someone," Andy answered with his head bowed.
He glanced at Mama, then at me, before facing Kuya again.
"I didn't want to take them seriously at first, but even my employees started getting involved. Some of my clients also backed out," he explained sadly. "I found out that a businessman was behind it. His name is Jasfher Mariano."
I slightly lifted my gaze. The shock on Mama's face was evident, and Kuya Angelo seemed to shake his head.
Papa? Why would Papa send him death threats?
"I also found out that he's the father of your child," Andy told Mama. "I'm sorry, Jeana, but I can't take what your ex-husband is doing to me. He even spread rumors that my sister was my mistress."
So she was his sister.
"Just like that? You're canceling the wedding?" Kuya asked him irritably.
"I'm sorry."
Mama let out a deep breath. "What else can I do? I wasn't planning to chase after you anyway, you fucking coward."
I heard the curse she let out, and it was sharp and harsh.
Mama stood up and headed upstairs to the second floor. Tita Gema followed after her. Andy, scratching the back of his neck, looked at us as if asking for forgiveness.
As much as I wanted to feel sorry for him, all I felt was indifference. That was better than feeling angry toward him, at least.
"Are you okay now, Jay?" Kuya Angelo asked me.
"I-I'm feeling a bit better," I replied hoarsely.
Kuya turned to Aries. "You two go ahead to the car," he instructed, handing him the keys.
Aries took them and helped me stand up. We walked to the parked car together, and he made sure I was seated comfortably inside.
"Tell me if you need anything," he said, and I nodded.
We sat in silence. After waiting for what felt like hours, I saw Tita Gema step out of the house carrying a travel bag. Kuya followed with a suitcase, and Mama came last, holding another bag.
Andy just watched them from inside the house. One by one, they loaded the bags into the trunk and got into the car.
Mama sat beside me and forced a smile.
"Looks like we'll be staying together for a while," she said, trying to joke, but the disappointment in her voice was clear.
I don't know why, but my arms moved on their own to hug her. She hugged me back before giving me a gentle smile.
The car started, and silence settled over us. Occasionally, Tita Gema would ask Kuya Angelo something, but his responses were short and clipped.
I looked at Mama, who was absentmindedly stroking my head and hair while gazing out the window.
"Ma..." I called her softly.
"Hmm?"
"Why did you let them hurt you?" I asked, making her look surprised.
"Who's 'them'? No one hurt me."
"There was. I saw it." I said and she pulled away from the hug to face me.
"What did you see? What are you talking about?"
I could feel the people in the car looking at me. I knew they were also waiting for my answer.
"I saw something earlier. It wasn't just one time—you were hurt more than once, and by more than one person. I know it really happened, but I can't say when."
Mama covered her mouth as tears streamed down her face. She cupped my cheeks with both hands. She wanted to say something, but her sobs overtook her.
"Are you starting to remember?" Tita Gema asked, holding my hand.
"Fvck! We're going to a psychiatrist." Kuya said suddenly, sharply turning the steering wheel.
We changed direction, which alarmed me. I pulled my hands away from Tita and Mama.
"I-I don't want to. I don't want to." I grabbed Kuya's arm to stop him.
Aries and Mama tried to intervene but I didn't let go of my grip.
"I don't want it, Kuya!"
He slammed on the brakes, gripping the steering wheel tightly. I knew he was angry and about to explode.
"I want to go home. Please." I begged.
Kuya let out a sigh and nodded briefly. I settled back into my seat and Mama immediately hugged me.
We were silent again until we reached the house. Before we could get out, I saw a car in front of the house. I saw Percy leaning against it, smiling.
"What the hell is he doing here?" I heard Aries mutter, following my gaze.
We got out one after the other and Kuya was the first to approach my stepbrother, looking like he was being carried away by a strong wind. He knocked on the window just in time and the door swung open.
A woman who looked like Percy stepped out, dressed in an expensive-looking fitted dress—clearly wealthy and polished.
Why does she look familiar?
Suddenly, Mama yanked me behind her.
"Jeana." The woman greeted Mama.
"Jay-jay." Percy called out to me. "Meet my Mom... Reycee."
I stared at her and it gradually became clear to me. If she was here, that meant Dad was here too.