I checked my phone. If there's anything I should be sad about it's that, it's been days without any conversation. Is he too busy now? I just fell asleep thinking. The next day the house became busy due to the arrival of my brother, Jax.
HE just came back from his out of the country.
“Brother!"
I came to him and embraced him. He did the same and kissed the side of my head. He has this casual expression.
"Did you enjoyed? You’ve been gone for so long." I jokingly punched his arm.
He just smirked at me and handed me a paper bag. My grin grew immediately. ‘Pasalubongs’ are the best.
"Thank you!" I jumped to him.
"Son," daddy greeted him.
He took it seriously.I awkwardly stepped back so I could give them space. Are their pitfalls still not settled? Seems like it’s been so long huh? At the table, he and daddy continued their greetings.
"Yeah, it's great. I had to extend some days because of this one client."
"How about Erato? Wasn't he there for a few days?" said dad.
I lifted my gaze. I saw daddy and older brother looking at me. I just smiled at them awkwardly, I turned my gaze back to my plate.
"Yes. We parted ways after our meet up in Singapore."
Is Erato out of the country? Why don't I know? Is he so insensitive to me? But he could have told me so I wouldn't wait. I was a little sad at the thought.
"Then did you address some matter?"
"I don't know dad. I don't want to talk to that idiot." I listened to them.
I got curious. Jax looks mad about something while dad just sighed Is there something I don't know?
"Well, the Asterial are already opening the issue about it. I guess they had the plan laid already." dad's tone was formal.
I kept looking up at them to listen. Jax glanced at me and back to dad, he sighed after. He didn't seem to want them to talk about it in front of me.
"Then let them be. I don't know why you would pursue that part with him. Let him. Don't associate their name with ours."
"But I'm just siding his suggestions and plans. Didn't it come from him?" dad scolded.
I was stunned by them. They sound like a puzzle to me. I couldn't understand what the two of them were talking about.
"What's the matter?" I asked.
Dad and older brother looked at each other. Jax glared at me chewing his food.
"You’re not in good terms with Erato?" I asked him.
"You Jade," he began and dropped the fork and spoon.
"You thought your association with Erato didn't reach me, huh?"
My eyes widened. I'm surprised he knew. Does he have eyes here. I was mouth shut then I and averted his eyes.
"Don't pour out your annoyance on your sister, Jaxon." daddy defending me.
"And you let her, dad?" he firmly turned to daddy.
"I'm the father here, why are you preaching me?"
I looked back and forth at the two of them. Why are they suddenly like this? Jesus!
"Because your sermons are always wrong!"
"Then what do you know about what's best for my daughter and what's not?"
"Dad," I called out but my older brother overtook me.
"Yeah. You know best so you're pushing what you shouldn't." older brother's tone was bitter.
"Jax," I begged him.
"We're in front of the food, let's not talk about it."
"There! Same shit!"
My forehead furrowed because he really stood up and asked daddy to raise his voice. What the hell?
"Even if you know it's crooked you'll still insist! You're just gonna avoid everything just because you can't admit you're wrong too!"
"Jax!" my voice cracked. They ignored me.
"We are just talking about your sister here."
"You know what I'm talking about, dad!"
Dad didn't fought back. My older brother's chest went up and down because of anger. Why is he so mad? Is it just because I'm with Erato? But why is he fighting dad?
"It's my decision to come with Erato-"
"You too, shut up." he pointed at my face.
I gasp.
"This is my last warning dad, you'll see." brother threatened before leaving.
My weary eyes turned to dad as he's looking perplexed and mad at the same time. I feel sad every time my older brother treats him like this. And I'm also shock how he treated me a while ago. He's really mad.
"Dad,"
"Finish your meal, hija." he commanded emphatically.
I knew right away that he didn’t want to ask me. My chest was heavy when we finished at the table. Sometimes I just really want my older brother to be gone. Rather than them always answering dad.
As I lay down, I fiddled with my cellphone. With the weight of my feelings, I was only able to type a message for Erato.
Me:
Are you out of the country? Take care.
I don't know why I'm this affected. Probably because of the overlapping school works, and also Erato's absence. I just washed my face. My phone vibrated right away. I was surprised to see Erato's name there.
Erato:
Just came back.
My lips parted. He's back?
Me:
Did you went back with Jax?
He replied right away.
Erato:
No. I sucked.
He ended the conversation immediately.
I thought I would get news about the fight between him and my brother.
Me:
Ahh, okay.
I sighed heavily. I couldn't even mention what happened a while ago. A few minutes passed and I just fell asleep waiting for his reply. He didn't replied.
When I woke up I expected to see a message from him but I saw nothing. My shoulders slumped as I entered my class. It's my major subjects today. It is very difficult to face this day due to the overwhelming requirements. I also brought with me what happened yesterday and of course Erato and me.