Chapter 36

The pictures of my brother getting out of the airport and arriving, went viral on social media. Many people were shocked, but the majority drooled at how great and good looking he looked. His unexpected arrival and appearance in the Philippines stunned everyone.



My brother worked so hard to establish his reputation, and work hard to build his own name with his own sweat, and that he had little time to relax or care about the people around him or think the people away from him.



I turned to look at my vibrating phone. My brother texted, "I'm already home.



He is, in fact, and after minutes, we arrived in my condo. I opened the door, I noticed my brother’s unkempt hair and stressed-out expression but still looking handsome and hunk.


He turned to look at me when I cleared my throat. I offer him a big smile, "Welcome back," with a warm smile.
He grinned when he saw me, stopped an inch from me, and sighed. It was like the most exhausted sighed I ever heard from him, "You become more lovely every day.” He said with a little sadness.



I chuckled. “I can’t help it. I inherited these genes from our handsome lineage.”




He smiled and hugged me more tightly. My brother muttered, "It's lovely to see you.”


“It's nice to have you here, too,” I said in response.

My brother said behind me, "You look lovely, Rosy," and I overheard Rosy chuckling softly.



“Nothing has changed; you're still the playboy I've met,” Rosy said. “It’s good to see you here, though.’


I heard Rosy footstep walk passed to us.



We drew away from the hug and I went to the sofa, my brother followed. "What's with the unexpected arrival?" I inquired.



I closed my eyes and I yawned out of nowhere.



I feel the sofa shifting. My brother mumbled, "I'm staying here for good." I overheard this. For no apparent reason, I smile. This place is maybe our first love, and so perhaps that explains why we keep returning to it despite our unpleasant past.


Why we want to stay here when we can go back to our hometown and lived there peacefully.



“What kind of staying for good?”


‘Why were you asking so many question? I’m a businessman. I can see a lot of potential to build my company here.” My brother said, chuckling trying to convince me, or convince us.

As I opened my eyes, Rosy wasn't in the living room, and all I could hear was the sound of the kitchen utensils. She might be brewing her own coffee.



“Andrew, are you sick of your girls there?” Rosy's booming voice resounded throughout my condo. My brother grinned subtly. He attracted a lot of women, which I believe was one of the reasons why his business prospered due to his dedication, diligence, and appeal.



“How about Mom and Dad?” I asked him after a long silence. I missed them already, and I missed Hope family as well. I can't wait to see them both again in a week.


“Mom and Dad will be here next four days. They won’t miss the birthday of Hope’s father.” I smiled peacefully and found peace on my brother’s arm. I’m safe again.

Yeah, the four years we never miss their celebrations, and because of Hope, my family got bigger. I relaxed and grinned while resting my arm on my brother's arm. I'm back in safety.



My brother added, "We owe Hope's and her parents a lot," and we both understand how much that means to me as well. For that reason, I'm working hard to look after and appreciate them greatly. "I didn't think we would come to this; my heart still feels guilty and hurts, especially when I think about Hope."



Same, Andrew. I’m curious of what life she would live after four years, right now.


“By the way Hayes texted me yesterday.” My brother said that made me looked at him.


“What did he say?” I asked, curiously that made my sleepy eyes jump away from my soul. Sometimes I wondered what running on Hayes mind. It’s so hard to read and predict him.


He added, serious in his eyes, "He asked permission if he may take you on a trip. The overprotective mode is activated. He gave a headshake. "Of course, I reply, "No. I'll never be at ease letting you go with a man. And...I don't think he should continue to see you. He needs to move on. He needs to live…independently.”

I approached him and gave him a hug. I sincerely whispered, "Thank you for saying no. I really really mean it.


He softly tapped my shoulder while whispering, "I'm just helping him," which caused me to yawn once more. I resembled a young child who finds great comfort in his brother's arm.



If he continues to see you, longing for you, it would be quite difficult for him to forget. He should have started by acknowledging the reality of endings. Hope and you are quite different people. Hope might have fallen for him, but I have to ask: Have you ever seen yourself experiencing or adapting to her feelings?”

I replied bluntly in a dejected manner, "No.



“You responded quickly,” My brother murmured like it’s a big deal. “ of course you don't.”
My eyes were rhythmically moving up and down. I feel so sleepy, worn out, and drained. Battling to sleep or not.


“Love is incredibly cunning,” My brother said. “Love is everyone’s weakness. And loving someone more than yourself sucks. You don't mind walking through as much trash as it takes or even down as many knives as it takes to return to that route. Sadly, my brother murmured, "Love...love is not good.”



“Aime, you still have dinner.” That was the last thing I heard of Rosy before I fell too deep to sleep. I have more two hours time to prepare, and a minutes of sleep would not get me late. For sure, Rosy would wake me up, too and my brother will too.