Keifer's POV
Angelo's words are recorded in my mind. A broken record that keeps playing. Over and over, giving me a headache.
He's alive. I really do have a sibling older than me—and he's a guy. The inherits, or my inherits, are now in jeopardy. I need to find him before he finds out about our family.
I looked up as Honey approached. She was holding the gift I had asked her to wrap.
"Done," she said before handing the gift to me.
"Thanks," I said in a flat tone.
I grabbed my phone to check if Ervin had replied. Nothing. I threw my phone on the coffee table in frustration.
Honey sat on the sofa across from me. She looked at me, then at my phone—until she noticed the other phone. The one I use to contact Jay.
"New phone? What's this for?" She was about to pick it up, but I grabbed it first.
"It's my private phone."
She pouted her lips. "Does Keigan know about it?"
"No. Better not to tell him."
"Whatever..." she said as she stood to leave. "...If you two end up fighting again, we won't defend you anymore."
I just let her leave. Keigan is becoming more bossy every day. And when we fight about who should be in charge, he always ends up acting differently. Sometimes it lasts, sometimes it doesn't.
It seems like he's starting to absorb some of my stress from everything that's happening. Last night, we received a call from one of my cousins. He asked me to celebrate my birthday Watson-style and said they'd organize everything.
I knew they were up to something, so I refused. I feel like they're just sucking up to me because my birthday's coming up—along with the day the name is passed down to me.
With each day that passes, it's getting harder and harder. It feels like I'm being choked.
I gripped my phone out of frustration. Before I could break it, I thought of texting Jay-jay. I wanted to greet her—it is St. Valentine's Day. I even smiled as I hit send.
Not long after, I got her reply. I laughed so hard when I read it.
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: Screw You!
Profanity! Keep cursing. I'm mentally listing it. At least it lightened the heaviness I was feeling. Jay-jay really knows how to make me feel better. How I wish I could do the same for her.
I decided to leave and head to C-in's birthday party, bringing the gift Honey wrapped. I placed it in the passenger seat of my car. I drove normally—there was no reason for me to rush.
I reached the building of Ci's condo. It's owned by the Peraltas. Not sure though which one of them owns this place. Maybe his brother or sister.
I got out of the car with my gift in hand. I didn't know where the actual event was happening, so I decided to head to Ci's unit. Upon arriving, I pressed the doorbell.
"Keifer? Hi…" It was his mother. "…Come in."
I did as she said. Ci-N's family was complete, but I couldn't see any trace of happiness on his face.
"Mr. Watson! Nice to see you here." His dad greeted me and offered his hand for a handshake.
I accepted it and gave him a short smile. "I came here to give it personally." I handed my gift to Ci-N. He smiled widely as he accepted it. "Happy Birthday," I added.
"Thanks! Can I open it now?" He was referring to the gift he was holding.
I nodded shortly, giving him permission. He opened the gift, biting his lip in excitement. I glanced at the opened presents on his coffee table. Most of them were gadgets and shoes—probably from his family.
"What is this?" he said, reading the certification. "Ownership? Jet plane?" His eyes widened, and he screamed in joy. "It's a real jet plane? For me?"
I saw the confusion on Ci's parents' faces, so they took the remaining contents of the gift. The manual, the contract, and the target design of the plane. All of them were filled with curiosity and disbelief.
"Y-you're giving my son a private jet plane?" his father asked before glancing at his wife.
"Yes, but he can't use it now."
Ci continued to examine the rest of the gift's contents. His smile didn't fade, especially when he saw the toy figure of his future plane. His name was written on its tail.
"Cool! When can I get it?"
"When you turn 21. You still have time to study piloting."
The entire family turned to look at me. It was obvious they were against what I said.
"I think that's impossible. He's entering Medical School after high school," his mother explained.
"I know, but no one else can fly that plane. It has a voice recognition process."
His older brother immediately shook his head, then left without saying a word to anyone.
Someone's pissed off.
"I think I'll wait outside. My friends might be arriving," his sister said, following after their brother.
"I have a plane now!" Ci-N said while playing with the toy figure.
Ci's father turned to face me with a serious look. "Can we talk outside?"
I already knew what they were going to say, but I still agreed. We stepped out of Ci's unit.
"Looks like you need to take back your gift," he said, forcing a smile. "…My son will be the most successful doctor in our family. I don't want his studies to be derailed."
"No worries, Doctor Peralta. Piloting won't take much time in Ci's case. He can still study in Medical School."
He sighed deeply. "We appreciate your gift, but please don't push my son to take piloting."
"I'm not pushing him. It's up to him if he still wants to be a pilot or if he wants to sell the plane."
Suddenly, the unit door opened. We both looked toward it. It was Ci-N and his mother.
"Let's go to the rooftop!" he shouted with his arms raised.
"Stop shouting," his mother scolded.
His father gave me a meaningful look before we started walking toward the elevator. Ci was still grinning nonstop. Every now and then he'd do a little dance, which made his mom pinch him.
"Aw… Aw… That hurts," he said while scratching his back.
When the elevator doors opened, we all stepped out one after the other. We took the fire exit going to the rooftop. As expected—it was a birthday party for a 7-year-old.
They get mad about why Ci still acts like a child—yet they spoil him like one.
I saw the mascots getting ready to put on their costumes. Most of them were guys. I even spotted a Snorlax.
Jay-jay will definitely like you.
But I don't like the idea of her hugging that Snorlax. A guy's wearing the costume—what if he tries something on Jay-jay? I'll break his neck and bury him while he's still in that costume.
"Keifer." Someone called me.
It was Felix, along with David and Rory. I looked behind them to check if everyone was here. We're almost complete. Almost.
"Did you already give your gift?" Yuri asked me while offering a drink—an orange juice.
"Yeah," I said after accepting it.
"I won't ask what it is. I already have a pretty good idea." He said with a grin.
I just shrugged and went to look for a seat. I saw Calix sitting alone while his girlfriend was a bit distant from him.
Lover's quarrel?
Edrix noticed where I was looking and beat me to it. "Mica found out what we did to Jay. So yeah... looks like she's threatening to break up."
"Aw…" Eren clutched his chest dramatically as if in pain.
"Don't tease him. He might snap at us," Kit immediately stopped him and the others who were about to chime in.
I just sat next to Josh, who was silently observing the rest. Yuri sat beside me.
"Do you think Jay will come?" I heard Denzel talking to Blaster.
"She will," Blaster answered.
"What if she doesn't?" Drew chimed in, making the others look at him.
"I'll pick her up then," David said, which made me shoot him a deadly glare.
Grim Reaper will pick you up.
"And why would you be the one to pick her up?"
"Because she won't come if you're the one who goes." He said it matter-of-factly.
"🎶Burn Baby Burn..."
"Roasted chicken are the best."
"Where's the burn area?"
They all reacted one after another. Someone even whistled, which irritated me more.
"What makes you think she'll come with you?" I tried my best to stay calm.
"Instinct," he said shortly.
He turned his back and quickly walked away. I'll let it go this time, but the next time I see him making moves on Jay-jay, I'll break his spine.
"Why'd you let him go?" Yuri whispered.
"For now, he's the only one who can get close to Jay-jay without being reprimanded."
I just hope Jay really comes. My time here is running short. Sooner or later, we'll head back to London. I'm just making the most of the time I still have to see her. I'll definitely be busy once we get there.
Others have started to get food. I'm not in the mood to eat yet. My eyes automatically turned toward the fire exit door.
Please… Jay.
I nearly stood up when I saw it open. I immediately held myself back. I might not be able to stop myself from hugging her. But it wasn't Jay-jay who came out. It was Rakki.
Still, I didn't take my eyes off the door—hoping to see a very familiar person.
The door opened again—and the familiar figure did appear. It was David, holding a huge jar with a ribbon. I looked to see if anyone was with him, but no one else came out.
David placed the jar on the gift table, then walked closer to us.
"Where's Jay?" I asked.
He pointed at the fire exit. "She doesn't want to come out."
Ci-N suddenly ran toward the fire exit, yelling "Jay-jay" over and over. I didn't even realize he had come close to us.
"Let Ci-N handle her," Eren said while munching on cake.
I just hope they don't end up fighting.
I saw Rakki sit beside Mica, and they chatted for a while. I had a strong suspicion that it was actually her who came with Jay, not David.
Not that long after, the Fire Exit door opened again. This time, Jay-jay was with them. She immediately scanned the area—probably amazed at the party. I saw Rakki approach her, and they talked briefly.
"Told yah she'd come," David boasted.
I rolled my eyes. Obviously, he didn't pick up Jay-jay. I had a strong gut feeling she came with Rakki. He returned way too fast.
Asshole.
I looked back at Jay-jay, who was still talking to Rakki. Out of nowhere, she stood up and shouted while pointing at Snorlax. But what I didn't expect was what she did next.
She hugged Snorlax.
Hugging Snorlax is okay. Snorlax hugging her back is okay.
Knowing that there's a guy inside the Snorlax mascot is NOT OKAY!
And it will never be!
I tried my best to calm down. That guy was just doing his job—to wear the costume and play with the kids. With the kids!… Jay-jay is not a fvcking kid, and that is not part of his job!
I quickly stood and charged toward them, but Jay-jay was clever—she immediately pushed Snorlax away. I tried to follow, but with all the kids running around and getting in my way, I struggled to keep up.
Until they completely disappeared from sight.
Where the fvck are they? The moment I find that Snorlax, I'm throwing him off this building.
I couldn't see them. Add to that the chaos caused by the kids—I don't even think this party is for Ci-N anymore. I was forced to return to our table and sit beside Yuri again. But my eyes were still searching for that mascot.
"Letting go, but here you are searching for your next victim," Yuri muttered, throwing shade. I gave him a death glare.
I went back to scanning the crowd for that Pokémon. Until I finally saw him—walking around and playing with the kids.
"Found you! Son of a b!tch!" I muttered as I walked toward him.
I was already plotting how to end his life. I pushed a few kids aside just to get to him faster. I grabbed him and pulled him away, which immediately startled him.
"Sir!" I heard from inside the mascot.
"I will kill you for hugging my girlfriend!" I said and was about to throw him off the rooftop.
"Sir, please don't!"
I froze when an idea suddenly popped into my head. Jay-jay likes hugging Snorlax.
I turned to the mascot and forcefully yanked the headpiece off. I could see how terrified he was of me.
"Take off the costume," I ordered.
"Sir?"
"Take it off!"
"My boss will scold me..." he said while scratching his head.
I pulled out my wallet and took out some cash. I handed it to him, and he stared at it in confusion.
"Go buy yourself a new boss who won't scold you," I said and shoved the money into his hand.
He hesitantly pulled out his hand from the costume and accepted the cash.
"Are you serious, sir?"
"Just give me the costume. Then leave. I don't want to see you here again."
He took off the costume, which I immediately grabbed and began putting on. He even helped me. Before putting the headpiece on me, he asked:
"Are you really serious, sir? What are you planning to do?"
"None of your business!"
He scratched his head again and finally put the headpiece on me to complete the look. I had a hard time walking at first, but once I figured out the technique, I got the hang of moving in it. It was hot inside and had a weird smell—but I didn't care.
I looked for Jay-jay, but she was busy talking to the birthday boy. I didn't want to steal the moment, so I let them be for now. Ci-N was crying and apologizing while Jay-jay smiled genuinely.
Someone is forgiven.
I waited for them to finish talking until I saw Ci-N carrying his gift. But Jay-jay was nowhere in sight—
"Boo!"
I almost jumped from shock. I turned to see who had suddenly popped up and hugged me. I smiled when I recognized her. I hugged her back.
My Jay-jay is hugging me.
She smiled up at me. How I miss hugging her. I felt so overwhelmed. I didn't want to let go. I'd stay right here if she'd keep hugging me like this forever.
"Sorry about earlier, okay? The King of the Ulupongs was acting up again," she said, making my forehead crease, "...he just can't seem to figure out what he wants in life."
So they're that close now, huh? Close enough that she can talk about the guy who originally wore this costume like that?
It doesn't matter. What matters is that we're hugging now. I tightened my arms around her even more, grateful that she didn't question it.
"I wish Snorlax were real. So I could have him squash that demonic ulupong that keeps messing with my mind and heart."
That Ulupong is definitely me. Good thing Snorlax doesn't exist.
Say everything you want. As long as you're hugging me—even if you're insulting me—I won't give a fvck!
"...It's fine... I'll move on from that pest eventually. I'll lose feelings for him—and I can't wait."
She said it—and I froze.
Did she just say 'move on'?
No! No way! She can't move on from me. Not now! Not ever!
I let go of her and looked straight at her.
"I won't let you!" I shouted, pulling off the mascot headpiece.
She stepped back slightly, eyes widening.
"I won't let you move on. I won't let you fall out of love. I won't allow it."
She didn't say a word. I stepped closer to her.
"You can't do that! You can't move on and forget everything that we've done!"
Instead of replying like she usually would, she suddenly turned and ran away from me.
I chased her as fast as I could, but this damn costume slowed me down. She was weaving through random paths, making it even harder.
The kids swarming around didn't help either.
Until I spotted Jay at the top of the inflatable slide.
"We need to talk!" I shouted, but she only shook her head.
She was about to climb down but changed her mind and suddenly slid down instead. I thought I could stop her, but because of the bulky costume, I ended up getting thrown off course.
"Damn it! Remove this thing from me!"
I tried to get back up, but I was struggling—until two pairs of arms helped me. It was Rory and Edrix, laughing at me.
"Seriously, Keifer?" Edrix asked, chuckling and shaking his head.
"Stop laughing and help me remove this thing."
They helped me take off the costume. I felt like I just escaped from a cage and could finally breathe. I handed the Snorlax costume to Rory.
"Keep that. I'm taking it home." Rory just shook his head while laughing.
I immediately searched for Jay-jay again—but she was nowhere to be found. I saw Ci-N walking by, holding a balloon.
"Ci. I need a place where I can talk to Jay."
"I've got another unit. Just go through the Fire Exit," he said, handing me the room number and door code.
I went back to looking for Jay-jay. I'd already combed through the entire rooftop.
It took almost thirty minutes before I finally saw her.
"We need to talk." I said and grabbed her hand.
She didn't pull away or protest, so I continued walking toward the room Ci told me about.
She still wasn't saying anything, even after we were already inside the unit. I am sure now. I am going to tell her the truth. I am not going to let us keep suffering.
"I will explain to you every—" A loud slap cut me off.
Anger consumed me, but I had to control it. I couldn't hurt her again.
"Did it hurt? Hit the other side too, to even it out." she said sarcastically.
I took a deep breath to control my temper.
"I deserve this." I said in a flat tone.
She chuckled bitterly. "Good that you know, because DAMN YOU! I'M SO FCKING PISSED AT YOU! I want to break your bones."
I bit my lip and looked away. Maybe I pushed her too far. I should've told her everything sooner.
I tried to approach her, to hold both her arms, but she slapped my hands away.
"Don't touch me!"
"Let me explain." I said calmly.
Please listen to me.
"Explain what? Go ahead—let me hear another one of your lies."
I swallowed hard to ease the lump in my throat. I wanted her to listen. I wanted her to hear me out.
"Jay..." I almost begged. "...I understand that you're mad but please listen to me."
"Fine! Go ahead and explain... Because I want to understand why you're playing with me. Why you keep hurting me again and again. Why you're here again messing with my life." She gave me a fake smile. "...Just explain. Maybe I'll get some clarity—and maybe, just maybe, that'll help me forget how I feel about you."
NO! She can't move on. She can't forget everything just like that.
I couldn't stop myself from punching the wall. I breathed heavily. There was so much pain in my chest right now.
"I told you. I won't let you."
"Who are you to stop me? Why? Aren't you the very reason I want to forget? And now you're saying you won't let me?! YOU'VE GOT SOME NERVE!" She started to cry, and it only made the pain worse. "...I'm done. I don't want to love you anymore."
"No. You can't."
"I don't want to anymore!" she shouted.
"You can't." I repeated.
"Stop it! I can't love you anymore!"
"You can't."
"That's enough! Stop hurting me!"
Please stop!
"You can't!"
"Why won't you let me go?! Why?! WHY?!"
"BECAUSE I CAN'T LOSE YOU!"
I couldn't stop myself from screaming, and tears started falling from one eye. It hurt so much to hear her say she was really leaving me. I can't take that. I can't handle it.
How can I keep going if I lose the very reason I've been fighting for all this time?
"I can't bear to lose you. So, please... Don't move on." I pleaded.
Suddenly, she broke down crying—loudly. I knew she was hurting too. I never wanted this to happen.
All I ever wanted... was to make sure you were safe.