Surprise

|| Reign

"I thought we're just gonna have lunch, why is there an urgent meeting?" I questioned Axis while Ian, Maryl, and I were getting cozy with our seats in the conference room of our new laboratory, located at Alexandra University Research Centre. How exquisite of your Kuya Axis to choose AXU Research Centre! I wonder how much he paid for this and he had this whole floor exclusively for our use?

Ian was seated on my front, then Maryl was at my side. Axis, of course, was currently standing.

Axis frowned menacingly. "You know what Lawreign, all of us in this room are hungry, but Ian has a report to discuss."

"Weh, was it just Ian?" I gave him a mocking look and had my arms crossed.

"I'll just discuss a few things." Ian notified and just cleared his throat.

"Are you impersonating a news anchor as well?" I asked and he replied with a cold glare.

"Since we already have our own laboratory and meeting area, the next thing we should gather are pieces of equipment for weapons. Spy cameras and recorders are the first things on our list, and we should buy samples from Divisoria to be able to create our first prototype."

"How would we be able to bring weapons in this building sneakily?" Maryl asked curiously with her eyes and hands on her phone for she was typing something in her Notes app.

Ian looked at Maryl. "Your family owns this university."

Maryl went silent for a moment. "Oh right..." she whispered to herself.

"Just because you left your mansion doesn't mean you lost all the rights of this school. You still have control of this university and its operations." he reminded her.

Maryl just gave a nod and put down her phone. "I see what you mean. I already know how."

Ian returned his eye to his laptop. "Moving on, for other reports, Lawreign has all of the draft reports."

Axis gave me a look. "Have you edited the documents?"

I gave him a smirk. "Of course, I haven't. I'm quite busy, busy binge-watching K-drama."

"Sis what an attitude." he replied with a gay-like voice and had his arms akimbo. "How can we finish things today?!"

"Thank you for your compliment Ax, I appreciate it!" I responded with a hair flip using my right hand. "Also, being gay suits you. Why don't you try dressing as a drag queen?"

Maryl and Ian gave a giggle, meanwhile Axis facepalmed.

"I'm expecting for those draft reports to be passed this Thursday" Axis ordered using his real voice.

"Oh, I can't assure you that girl." I responded.

"You animal." he replied with a menacing glare exclusively for me.

"Aren't we all?" I asked. "We have two science geniuses in this room to prove my point!" and I pointed at Ian and Maryl, who were busy with their respective gadgets.

Axis had a deep breath in defeat. "The meeting is adjourned!"

"Yes, I can have my lunch at last!" I rejoiced with a victory pose.

Ian gave a chuckle while typing "Axis is hungry so he doesn't have the strength to establish a debate with you."

"Weakling. What if there aren't any lunch breaks in court hearings?"

Axis gave me another menacing scowl. "I'll take my revenge."

I gave him a mocking grin. "Prove it."

-----

Thursday, 1000H

It's already my second day in our main laboratory at Alexandra University Research Centre today, and the first day of us being in complete attendance.

Our classes has just finished and I was starting to walk swiftly to AXU Research Centre. The College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management and College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is quite far from each other, so I have no choice but to beat the distance.

A long walk, instant hiking. Axis has no remorse, he scheduled this meeting on the exact day that I have to wear a coat, white blouse with epaulet, and tight skirt. Both my coat and skirt are black and somewhat thick than our overall college uniform. A green hunting stock tie was also included in our uniform, so it feels hot. I feel like a professional cruise ship cabin crew in this uniform. I also wore high pumps from Louboutin, which I was somehow forced to wear so the price would be worth it. Axis should be thankful for the fact that I only brought my sling bag today; with a laptop, school and cosmetic supplies inside.

When I reached AXU Research Centre, kuya guard blocked my way. "Ms. Midford, you're a CITHM student, you are not allowed during class hours."

I gave him a smile and showed him my AXU-RC ID ko that was placed at the back of my university ID.

"Oh, sorry ma'am." and he unblocked my way for me to be able to tap my ID.

You can get an AXU-RC ID upon request if you're a CSTEM student. How did I get this ID? That's a secret for now. As for Axis, I know he paid for the possession.

I quickly entered the elevator and I can smell the overpowering scent of disinfectant from people in their lab gowns. There are people inside that aren't, which I assume are from Physics department. I got out on the 10th floor and unlocked the area that I now call 'Restricted Area'. Good work Carlo and your sticker technique!

When I set foot in the lab, I noticed that all of them are in the conference room, and the three engineers are seated next to each other on the right; Ian being first and closest to the front, Maryl at the center, and Carlo at the last.

I also noticed that they were all in their laboratory gowns and all were in our main college uniform. But to think about it, among the three, only Maryl changes uniforms since she has 2 more types of medtech uniforms.

I also noticed that they are all focused on their laptops.

"Good morning bitches! What are our plans for today?" I barged in with my arms spread for the grand entrance.

Axis gave me a deadly morning scowl.

I looked at the three and asked, even though I know the answer and it was too obvious. "Why are you guys in your laboratory gowns, when you aren't even working on a chemical or biological hazard yet?"

"For aesthetic purposes, said Axis." Carlo replied.

"But what about him? He isn't in his laboratory gown?" I had my arms crossed and gave Axis a curious yet confused look.

"Do I look like an engineer to you, hm?" Axis questioned in defense.

"Yes." I bluntly answered. "Engineer Austin Xil Salvatierra."

"Please Lawreign, don't start this meeting with your so-called jokes." he pleaded.

I beamed. "Okay." and sat in front of Ian. I opened my laptop and plugged in my earphones.

-----

|| Maryl

I don't know what's the essence of this Thursday meeting. All that was tackled were tackled last Monday, maybe except the fact that a secret app will be made. I was typing out notes on my laptop for further and future reference.

"Thank you Carlo for sharing your mobile app plan." Axis looked at serious and focused Reign. "It's such a miracle that Lawreign is so quiet today! Have you edited the docs?"

She didn't answer.

"Lawreign Ellison, hello?"

No, no Ax. Don't you dare.

He didn't hear my thoughts, he looked at what she's doing. He took off one of the earpieces from her left ear.

Everything went in slow motion.

"HEY LAWREIGN ELLISON, HAVE YOU EDITED THE DOCUMENT?" he shouted on her left ear.

Oh he's fucked.

The others stopped on what they're currently doing because of the shout. Reign stood up, grabbed Axis' uniform on his waist and Batista bombed him.

That wasn't a light Batista Bomb but I know his back wasn't ready for that.

The two stood up and froze in shock. They didn't expect such thing would happen.

"I WAS PLAYING HERE AND WAS ABOUT TO FINISH WITH A SS BUT YOU FUCKING RUINED IT. DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO SHOUT?!" Reign shouted angrily at the weak Axis. Gladly the conference hall's floor is covered in carpet, or his spinal column would possibly break. I stood up as well to see what happened to Ax.

"S-sorry R-reign..." he apologized in fear and stood up slowly.

"Was it painful? Do we have to take you to the hospital?" Adriano worriedly asked Axis.

Axis nodded and looks lightheaded. "I-i'm f-fine..."

Reign sat down and looked at her laptop. "Be thankful that it was weak."

I looked at Axis "When it comes to your decisions kay Reign, look at my body language." and I grinned.

"If only I knew..." he weakly replied.

-----

|| Reign

It was already midnight and I was still editing Axis'. He could have done this neatly if he ditched his so-called 'priority' for a sec.

How dare he yell at me earlier. He should be thankful that I am in the good mood today, at least.

I just scrolled and scanned all of the things that need to be edited, and not gonna lie, this thing gave me a headache.

Make a set of spy cameras, then it should be placed at every corner, in every room, including toilets... make a set of robots that can pass as our clones... make a perfect frame-up to reveal each family on their own... all of the wrongdoings of each family...

Even the title has some errors.

What the fuck Axis, what type of document is this?! If you were talking about every family, then he was also included? I don't know which of his two heads his mind was located.

"Operation: SEIRA... what are the other options for Operation: SEIRA?" I whispered to myself whilst this document was eating up my system.

After five minutes of staring at the document blankly, due to the fact that I was clueless on how to edit Axis' chaotic plan, I peeked at my mini-fridge that was located above my study drawer.

There are no more snacks at drinks left. I forgot to do grocery shopping for my food.

I decided to go to the kitchen to bring some beverages and midnight snacks that I could munch and drink on upstairs.

When I passed through our dining area, I got surprised that someone was in there. When I checked who, it was my hecking brother. He's in his casual look; simple polo, jeans, and rubber shoes, and he has a strong alcohol scent. In front of him is a box of JCo doughnuts, in which I don't know for whom.

"Hellooo to myyy beautifuuul littleee sisteeer, Lawreiiign!" he greeted with a wasted tone and being all wobbly though he was sitting.

The only time when he calls me beautiful is when he's drunk.

"Where have you been?" I bluntly asked.

"Bachelooors paaartyyy. Weee just haaad fuuun, weee just haaad a gooood tiiime." he replied with senseless hand gestures.

"Ohhh riiight, I bought JCo just for youuu. One booox, only juuust for youuu." he pointed the box in front of him for the proximity between them was kind of far.

"Can you get up? Do you want me to help you?"

"I caaan, youuu don't haveee tooo assist meee." he responded. He got up and I noticed that it was wobbly.

"Alright. I'll take you upstairs." I sighed and placed his arm at the back of my shoulders. In first-aid, this is called 'walking assist'.

I carefully assisted him upstairs, although it took me around 20 minutes for the distance between the dining hall, then to the stairs, then to the second floor, and three more meters from the stairs to his room. This mansion is pretty spacious, I'd say.

When we reached his bedroom, I laid him on his bed and I took a set of pajamas out of his cabinet.

"Should I change your clothes?" I asked for his permission whilst holding his fresh set of sleeping clothes.

He did not respond.

I checked what was going on with him aaand... fell asleep. Totally knocked out.

I placed his pajamas on his bed and took my

phone out of my pajama pants' pocket. Such a relief that I brought this along with me.

"Hello Reign my dear! Is there something wrong?" she worriedly asked with a drowsy voice.

"Ateee!" I greeted in a low, whispery tone. "Kuya got wasted, and I couldn't wake him up to change his clothes. He was totally knocked out."

I heard her worriedly sigh on the other line. "I told Ryze not to drink too much. I'll grab my keys and I'll be there as soon as possible."

"Roger that ate. I'll tell the guards that you'll be coming."

"Thank you Reign. See you!" and she dropped the call.

I quickly told the guards about Ate Florence's arrival at this time of night. I patiently waited for her by the mansion's entrance, and sat on the stairs. After 10 minutes, the guard opened the gates for the gray Mercedes Benz and made it park at one of our reserved parking lots. Ate Florence quickly came to the entrance in her purple silk pajamas, a black backpack on her back, and two iced cappuccinos from Starbucks on her hand.

Hays Ate Florence. You haven't really changed. Even now, you still manage to bring some Starbucks.

Ate anxiously asked as she approached me. "Is your Kuya Ryze in his room?"

"Yes ate." and we immediately rushed to his room.

She placed the iced cappuccinos on kuya's side table and she placed the bag on the side of the side table. She caressed his sweaty forehead. "He must have drunk a lot..." She noticed the set of pajamas I placed on his bed, so she took it and asked me in assurance. "These are his changing clothes, right?"

I nodded.

She smiled. "Alright Reign, I can take good care of Ryze. I'll sleep beside him tonight."

She got up and took a cup of iced cappuccino and straw, which she gave to me. "I know you're busy with school works. Here's something to energize you."

I received those, of course, since I could never say no when it comes to her. "Goodness ate, you don't have to bother yourself, really."

And she smiled again. "It's nothing. I treat you as my younger sister, and I want you to focus on your priorities. Study well Reign." and she pinched my cheeks.

I don't want anyone to pinch my cheeks, except Ate Florence of course.

I exited the room and peeked inside to thank her in a soft tone. "Thank you ate!" and I closed the door.

Ate Floreeence! If only you were my older sister in real life huhu. Ian is so lucky to have an angel-like older sister like you!

I went downstairs again to get the box of JCo doughnuts that my brother bought and brought it to my room. In the end, thanks to the food and drinks that the couple gave me, I didn't bother myself to go to the kitchen. But that got me thinking, Ate Florence has pure intentions whenever she decides to give me food, but Kuya Ryze is a different case, he asks me a favor whenever he gives me something. I wonder what would he ask in the morning?

Oh well, I'll just eat this while I organize Axis' chaotic plans with my remaining brain cells.

When I got into my room, I opened the box and its upper interior is spotless.

This made me wonder, is my brother really drunk?

-----

I yawned a bit and stretched my arms. I turned to my clock on my side table.

I slept at 3 in the morning but I woke up at 8? What a miracle. I usually wake up in the afternoon whenever I decided to sleep late.

I finished the document for I don't want Axis to annoy me for it. I also made a copy for Maryl. I finished the cappuccino and the three remaining doughnuts are in my fridge. I have a fast metabolism so I don't gain weight from eating those.

I took a shower and wore casual clothes for today; an oversized pink shirt, denim pants, and black sneakers. I don't have to dress fancy since it's just Divisoria, a well-known public marketplace. I didn't bother to bring a bag; only my phone and my purse since it fits inside my pockets.

When I got downstairs, I saw dad, mom, Kuya Ryze, and Ate Florence having a serious conversation in the dining hall. All of them are well-dressed although they were wearing casual wear.

When I approached them a bit...

"I'm so happy you are already engaged, I knew you were the right lady for my only son. So, when is the wedding?" mom asked kuya and ate with enthusiasm.

Wait a minute... wedding?! Ate Florence didn't mention anything earlier!

I froze for sometime in shock. I looked at my parents, at kuya, and at Ate Florence with a 8 carat diamond ring on her hand.

Ohhh goood! I'm internally screaming! I'm sooo happy for them, of course, I feel happier about the fact that Ate Florence will be my sister-in-law! I wanna scream in excitement.

So that means... Adriano is my future sibling-in-law? Like, if I'm using the right term though? Or there is no exact term since it is non-existent in the English language?

Ah never mind, I'm so happy for them!

"Wedding?!" I asked in shock that makes them look at me.

"Oh Reign, you're awake!" kuya greeted me. "I just wanted to thank you!"

"Huh? W-what did I do?" I asked him confusingly.

"I got myself drunk for you to call your Ate Florence. I also told the maids and butlers to let you carry me to my room and call her. I also ordered JCo doughnuts from Grab and it was one of the maids who received and placed them on the table. My plan was so smooth, wasn't it?" he confessed.

I gave him a menacing glare. "I knew you were up to something. The JCo says it all."

"At least there's JCo."

So he didn't ask me a favor today, but earlier was lowkey a favor although it was indirect? God my brother. Tsk.

He knows my weakness is food aaaaaa.

My parents just laughed at his crazy plan. Now you know where did we get such a trait?

"I didn't expect the proposal when I woke up. I think it's lowkey creative. Besides, I don't want a fancy proposal in the first place." Ate Florence complimented.

God, my brother knows Ate Florence too well. He has no plans on losing her completely! I really ship them so hard.

Alright, I'm not that annoyed nor mad at my brother anymore, at least they're engaged!

I approached Ate Florence and gave her a back hug. "Ate I'm happy. You're already my sister-in-law! I would be able to see and bond with you every day!" I felt a smile form on my lips because of such happiness.

She giggled and she tapped on my arm. "Ah, Reign. I'm happy and blessed to have you as my sister-in-law as well."

_____

Beyond the Spectrum | Wave 6: Surprise • © mxylms