Bunch of MENDOZAs

Chapter 20

["Are they all okay hija?"] Tanong ni sir Nick kaya naman tumango nalang ako.

I'm having a video with sir Nick. I told him everything. Especially Brile's attitude.

It was a long night. After the fight, sa kwarto ko pinatulog sila Raven at Zahir dahil ayokong makita ang kahit sino sa mga kuya nila.

Sa katunayan tulog na tulog pa ang dalawa kahit 8 AM na.

"Sir, I would like to know the real reason kung bakit nandito ang mga apo mo." I honestly said.

Give me a one good reason sir to stay with them.

["Hija, kahit gano'n sila mababait sila. And I just really want them to have time with each other."] he answered.

"Pero sir alam kong may iba pa kayong rason kung bakit sila nandito. Please tell me sir. Kasi parang hindi ko sila kaya. Just tell me the truth para alam ko ang gagawin ko sa kanila sir." Malungkot kong sabi.

Naluluha na naman ako. I don't know why I'm very affected with them.

[He sighed. "Anak, bukod sa, there's a threat for those guys... It's just that, I really want them to have time with each other."]

I raised a brow.

["Ganito 'yon... There's a clan that wants to put us down. I tried protecting those guys here pero sila mismo ang naglalagay sa mga sarili nila sa danger. With them staying in one place, in one country without any pressure from us, I consider that a safe place for them habang inaayos namin nila Yu-Rhi ang gulo."]

"So silang mga lalake lang sir ang delikado?" I asked.

["No darling. Actually lahat kami." He chuckled. "But I know wala silang magagawa sa angkan namin kung bantay sarado katulad ng mga kapatid nilang babae at mga magulang nila. Eh kaso nga kung saan saan sila nagpupunta at tinatakasan pa ang bodyguards nila. So how can I make sure of their safety kung hindi sila nakikinig sa akin?"]

I just nodded. I get his point. Masyadong matigas ang mga ulo nila para manahimik lang at pumirme sa iisang lugar.

"Bakit po parang may problema sila sa isa't isa? Si Raven para siyang... May hinahanap na attention."

["That's the main reason why I sent them there." He smiled at me. "Raven and Rain was very close to each other, and Raven always wants to have time with his brother. And Rain just had to study to other school that made a gap between them."]

"Aki? He doesn't know how to have a nice conversation with someone."

["Aki has autism before."]

I was very shocked with what I heard.

["Yes darling. He had before. Add that he's a genius. He's abnormally intelligent. And Rain helped him a lot with his condition. And I want to expose him to other people and to his cousins too. That's why he's there."]

Now I know.

"And Zahir, sir?"

["His family's always away from him. Riley, his dad, is in Australia. And my daughter Zharina is in Mexico together with Rie. He always wants his mom. And I can't blame my daughter why she's... She's like that to him." He stared at me sadly. "He needs someone who will make him feel loved, darling."]

I felt sad for him.

I looked at him on the bed with sadness. He's too innocent and naïve, I know. Now I know what's behind those big blue eyes.

I looked at the screen. "What about the twins sir? Lalo na si Brile."

["Kay Breii, walang problema sa kanya. He's that happy go lucky and sweet boy. Actually the twins were very close before." He smiled. "Kaso mukhang nagkaroon ng gap sa kanila nang mag aral sa ibang lugar si Breii, knowing na... Kung wala si Breii palaging pinag-iinitan ni Yu-Rhi si Brile dahil sa ugali niya. Maybe Brile didn't take it easy when his brother just went away."]

And that explains why he really wants them all together. He wants them to have closure.

["I'm hoping that you can help them have closure with each other, darling. I hope you will not give up that easy."]

"Ate Xy?"

Agad naman akong napatingin kay Raven nang magsalita siya. It's obvious that he just woke up.

"I heard papa's voice." He whispered.

I looked at the screen and sir smiled.

"Do you wanna talk to him?" I asked.

Agad naman siyang bumangon pero nagulat ako nang sa banyo ko siya dumeretso.

I smiled. Nag-gargle pala.

He sat beside me and smiled at his grandfather. "Hi papa! I've missed you all there but I'm enjoying it here."

["Then you stay there son as long as you want. Grandpa's sleepy. Say hi to them for me. Good morning son." He smiled.]

"Good night papa." Raven said and waved.

I just smiled before the call went off.

I looked at Raven and saw his bruise on his left cheek.

"Gwapo ko pa din 'no? May pasa pa at bagong gising." He boasted.

I just laughed and raffled his hair. "Maligo kana nga at bumaba. I'll cook foods. 'Wag mo na munang gisingin si Zahir." And I went out of the room.

Now I know what to do. Now I know that I should understand them more. That I should bring them closer together... That I should stick with them.

Papunta sana ako sa kusina pero agad akong natigilan nang makita ko silang lima na nakaupo na sa dining area na parang kanina pa naghihintay.

They are all quiet and bruised but three of them smiled when they saw me.

"Kanina pa namin kayo hinihintay." Zaine said.

"Uhm... Magaling na 'kong nagluto ng eggs." Breii said.

"I'm jealous with those two guys who slept beside you, babe." Nakangising sabi ni Rain at tumayo saka ako pinag hila ng upuan.

I sat and didn't say a word.

Honestly, I don't know what to say to them... Especially to him.

He's just right there, sitting and staring at his plate with unreadable expression.

I cleared my throat and looked at all of them. "I know a bit of your stories..." I started. "And it would be my pleasure to know some of its chapters." I smiled.

"So you're not giving up." He said and stared at me.

I stared back and nodded. "No. Not now that I know why your papa really sent you here. Not now that I know why you are like that to each other."

"Then I guess we really need your help." Zaine said and smiled at me.

I looked at Brile but it's like, something's wrong with him.