Chapter-329

Truth Hurts

Jay-jay's POV


"What the hell are you doing?!" Keiâ€"kwanan asked annoyed. I pouted while mopping the floor. "Cooking." "Your
cooking what? Fire? We'll eat fire for dinner?" He said sarcastically and I pouted even more. After calming me
down from crying, now he's lecturing me. I feel like I want to cry again. I wonder if the fire in the pan will rise.
"It takes a long time to get rid of the ice from the fish." I reasoned. "You should have waited before turning on
the stove." I scratched my head before continuing to mop the floor. Because of the splashing I did earlier,
water and a few splashes of oil were scattered. I offered to clean up because I knew Keiâ€"kwanan was having
a hard time walking. After cleaning, I put the mop aside and returned to the kitchen. He was busy skewering
the fish with a barbecue stick. "What are you doing?" "I haven't checked if the stove is safe to use, so we'll
cook this on direct fire." I looked at the stove that I had just finished cleaning before wiping the floor. I
suddenly regretted it because this brand is still expensive . Mycaella Nicole is branded as durable, branded as
rich, run away. "Let's go outside." Said the King of Snakes as he slowly stood up. I immediately approached
him to help him. Each of his steps was slow so it took us a few minutes before we could get out. "Where are
we going?" I asked a little annoyed. "I'm looking for aâ€"." " I'm sorry, kwanan." I cut off what he was about to
say. "Your accent is handsome , but you're already speaking Tagalog. My brain is running out of blood." He
laughed weakly. "My accent is handsome, or am I handsome?" And he squeaked. I pushed him weakly,
surprising him. His eyes widened as he held on tightly to me. "Keep pushing. You're sinking into the sand." I
threatened. "What?" He asked with a laugh. "Tagalog!" "I'm still adjusting. I stayed in London for more than a
month. Of course my brain will adjust to adapt. If I only heard English, I would speak English too. It became
my natural reflexes when someone talks to me." He explained before stopping walking. "The world is like that."
"Haven't you noticed other Filipinos that stayed in places without Tagalog speakers. They unintentionally
orget to speak Tagalog, because their brains adapt to its environment." He added. That's smart. Thanks for
making me look stupid. "You're the one." I whispered but he still seemed to hear me. "I'm explaining for you to
understand. That's why you're not learning anything in class." Oh wow! Is this a reality check? He let go of me
and went to a large tree branch that was lying on the sand. He sat there and stretched his leg with a wound
that felt like it was delicious to be splashed with sea water and sand. "Gather some branches. We'll make a
bonfire so the fish can be cooked there." I made him work hard before finding branches. I even brought dry
coconut shells with me. I brought all of that to him before entering the house and getting everything he
needed. I gave him the lighter first and left the fish on the tray next to him. I went back to the house to get a
plate and we'd have a drink. When I came back, there was already a fire and the fish were already set on the
side. I put down what I brought next to him before sitting on the sand. "Sit here." Keiâ€"kwanan said while
patting the side of his chair. Actually, the seat I'm sitting on is hot. I don't think it would be bad if I sat next to
him. I stood up and approached him. I sat next to him before arranging the plates. I was getting hungry. "How
long? I'm getting hungry." I said and watched the fish. "What's new." The person next to me who was
apparently arranging the fuel for the fire let me know. "I'll push you into the fire." I threatened but he just
ignored me. I just hugged my knee before placing my chin on it. The sky was getting darker and darker. My
pets were also starting to get restless . Watching the sunset on the beach was also nice. But it was even
better to watch the fish being cooked. "This is a beautiful island. What province is this?" "I'll show you on the
map later. And maybe help me name this island." He said, taking the barbecue stick near him. He glanced at
the fish before returning it to the fire. It looked like it wasn't cooked yet. "This island doesn't have a name?" I
asked and he nodded. I was intrigued. I knew the Philippines had many islands but I had no idea that I could
own an entire island. "What went through your mind and bought this?" He looked at me as if he was saying 'is
it obvious?'. I just nodded. So we could talk. I grinned annoyed before playing with the sand at my feet. To talk.
Idiot. It's a good thing the other fish was cooked right away. I helped him move it to the plate before starting to
eat. "Stolen." He was teasing me but I ignored him. I didn't want to say anything bad so I just chose to eat what
I ate. I was annoyed again because I remembered the reason why this hudlong brought me to this place. If I'm
not mistaken, this animal brought me to this place on Friday. Today is Saturday and tomorrow is Sunday. We
should be home before Monday or Monday morning. After eating, I put away our things. I kept going back and
orth just to put all the things I had taken out. When everything was finished, I went back to Keiâ€"kwanan to
help him walk. "Come on. Let's go inside." I was a nurse and grabbed his arm to help him stand up but he
stopped me. "Can we stay here for a while?" He asked while holding my hand . I wanted to refuse but his
expression seemed to be pleading. He almost cried. He was also broken. I removed his hold on my hand
before sitting next to him. I could see his smile as if he was very happy that I agreed. The heat of the fire was
just right against the cold wind from the sea. So the breeze wasn't a problem for us. "Why are you so quiet?"
He asked me. "I won't say anything." "You can ask anything." I felt uncomfortable. I knew that he wanted it to
happen. I would ask questions until the matter of what he did was opened up and he could explain . I don't
know why he was so hesitant to explain what he did. Maybe he was trying to get us to make up after he
explained. Siopao. "What do you want to hear?" I asked annoyed. I'll let him. If he wants to talk, go ahead and
talk. So that it's over. It's up to the person who goes home to find his heart. I heard his sigh. "Let's talk about it.
Please." I nodded and forced a smile. "Okay. Let's talk about it. When it's over." I let out a breath. Not yet but I
could feel my breath tightening . I bit my lip a few times just to control my emotions. Don't cry! "The plan to
use you and get even to Aries is true." He started and my tears started to fall. I'd heard that before, but it still
hurt to hear it again. That's all he was saying but my eyes were like a well that was bursting with tears . "I'm so
mad at him. That's why when I saw that he was affected by what we were doing to you, I asked Rory and Edrix
to gather information about you. That's where I found Aries' adoption papers and the two of you're birth
certificates." He explained. That's why he found out the truth so quickly. He found out before me. He even got
private information. It's different. "Our classmates and friends knew everything. They were also angry with
your brother because of what they were doing to our section." I closed my eyes as all the pain returned. How I
saw them as friends but something else was happening behind my back. It hurts when a boyfriend cheats but
it hurts differently when friends cheat. "They know the plan from the start but not the end because we all stop
in the middle." He said and I looked at him with a look of anger. He tried to reach my face but I pushed his
hand away. He did that a few more times until my pushing his hand away ended up hitting him. He didn't move
away, he just accepted it all. "You're so angry with Aries because he kidnapped Ella? He didn't love you!" I hit
him again. "If he really didn't want to be kidnapped, he wouldn't be! It's that simple but you didn't think about it
because you were too proud! That's why you planned to retaliate!" I hit him again but I lost my strength. "I
know." He replied with a broken voice. " And me? I'm the one who was unaware of your life's tragedy! You
implicated me!" I was about to hit him again but I started crying first . Even louder than I had been crying. The
pain was twice as bad now that I was facing the clear truth. "What did I do to you?" I asked and before I knew
it I was leaning against his chest. "You trapped me in your mess?! From your plan! And Yuri's plan! You're both
selfish!" "I am selfish." He admitted while hugging me tightly. "But believe me when I say that I love you. And
they know, the whole Section E knows." I tried to push him away but because of his lack of strength, that was
useless. I could feel his deep breathing and the trembling of his chest. "I stopped on my own without realizing
it. And so did they. Because they knew that I'm already falling in love with you. They never complained
because they care about you. You made them care for you." He added. I cried even more at what he said. I
was afraid to believe it.Maybe this is his plan again but I'm willing to stick to what he says especially since
those Cobras are involved. Those Cobras are crazy. "But I need to push you away. My enemies are increasing.
There are more of our enemies on the street." He kissed my head. "Saving you is a must. From that monster,
rom my relatives and from me." I thought about his last words for a moment. I slowly moved away from him
and saw his tears. I didn't know he was crying too. "W-what?" "Remember how I get mad?" He asked and I
nodded. "I don't want to end up like my Dad. I was scared. So, I told myself to change that and save you away
rom me. And that's part of the reason I stayed away." I still sniffled. I didn't understand why he wanted to
change that thing. For what? What if he got angry? It's normal for people to get angry. "W-why do you want to
change yourself?" "For me, for you." He held both of my hands. "For us." For me? For both of us? I shouldn't
just believe what he said. But it seemed true. How
if it's true?
"My way of saving you was to stay away. But I didn't
waste every opportunity we had to be apart.
I did everything I had to do. I learned a lot and became a wiser
person to protect you. I'm strong enough now to be with you."
He explained and held both of my cheeks. "I can even face Angelo
." He added and laughed softly.
"Why didn't you just tell me the truth?"
"I know you. As long as you can help, you will help. And
they will also know the truth. They will surely find a way."
I removed his hands. "How can you be sure that if
you chase me away, no one from your enemies will try to kill me?"
I just didn't remember all the people who kidnapped me. Next time I'll list
their names.
"Angelo knows about my plan. So if I'm not there, he'll protect
you." He said and I was slightly confused.
Brother Angelo.
"...and besides, our friends are there. I never cut my
connection with them."
Oh, I said.
This guy can talk to those Ulopongs. They were waiting for me
when we got back.
"W-why are you calling them? Why not me? We only
talked once. Then you pretended to be someone else! You're crazy!"
He smiled. "You already knew. Would you talk if
you knew it was me?" I was stunned and thought about what he said. "And besides,
why would I call you when I can visit you?"
I frowned. "What?"
"I can't stand you. There was a time when I really wanted to see you so
I crossed the line between London and the Philippines. I even bought a
private jet so I can travel secretly."
Oh wow, just a coin?
I slapped him. "You're going home, why don't you show
me?"
"Maybe I won't leave when I show you."
I didn't know what to say. He did all that
during the times when we were far apart. Meanwhile, I was wondering
if he already had a girlfriend.
Why did I feel guilty?
"You've done everything you should have done?" I asked and
looked away.
He tried to reach for my hand and held it tightly.
I tried to snatch it away but he wouldn't let go. He even came closer to me
just to hug me. I pushed him away but he tightened the hug.
I didn't have the strength anymore.
"Mostly but not all. I still have problems with my relatives
who are chasing after the inheritance. And of course, that monster who killed my
Mom."
I remembered how his Dad treated Keiâ€"the kwanan. It was as if
they weren't his children and he was determined to chase after his inheritance.
Why was he like that?
"What about your siblings?"
"They are also one of the reasons why I choose to hurt you. I can't
protect you all. So I made a sacrifice." He explained again and it felt like there was
some kind of air in my chest.
To me, he did the right thing.
His siblings needed him more. He has many enemies and he needs to put
his family first. And I would do the same if I were in
his situation.
"For now, Keiren is under the custody of a friend. While Keigan is
under my monitoring. He seems..."
He didn't continue what he was saying about Keigan.
"What's wrong with Keigan?"
"I'm afraid to admit but I think, you and Keigan are having the
same symptoms."
And my problem came back to me every time I saw blood. Of all
the people who knew about my situation, I was the only one who could tell the truth to him. He was the
only one who was looking for a clear answer without forcing me.
He was the only one.
"I-I remember something. It feels like a part of my past but
it's scary." I said and my images and dreams came back.
I closed my eyes and held on to him tightly. I knew
he could feel my fear.
"Sshh... Don't force yourself to remember."
"N-no. It's coming back on its own. It's scary."
I felt him caress my hair.
"It's okay. I'm here. You have nothing to be afraid of. We'll face it
together."
It only became clear to me now. After he explained,
I felt lighter. It would be too soon to say that
I forgave him. But I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.
After all the chaos, I only experienced
peace now.
Peace men, peace.
We don't let go of each other as if we were dependent on
each other's embrace. That's our position, only occasionally
letting go until the fire dies down completely.
He had his arm around me while I helped him walk.
When we got to the living room, I left him to wash the dishes. I
also closed the doors even though I knew no one else would come in here.
I helped him walk up to the bedroom again. I was planning to
go straight to the next room but he sent me back to the room
I was staying in.
He said he'd clean up first so I just let him. When
he came out of the bathroom, I cleaned up and put on my pajamas. I thought
he was ready to move but he was already lying down with a swollen head
when I came out of the bathroom.
"You can't be here. I just left you here last time because
I was asleep." I said softly.
"I'm too tired, Jay. Please, I promise tomorrow I'll move to the next
room."
I paused for a moment. Tomorrow? Will we still be here until tomorrow?
This is really going to piss me off. The longer I'll be gone, the
longer the process of my brother torturing me will take.
He'll peel my skin off and then bathe me in onions and garlic.
I lay down on the bed, my hair falling out. I'm already thinking about what
my body will look like.
"Do you forgive me now?" Keiâ€"kwanan asked and I turned to
him.
"H-I can't say."
"I don't expect you to forgive me that easily. I'll work hard for your
orgiveness." He said and reached for my hand.
I turned to face him. This is the first time I've ever looked him straight
in the face. He smiled at me but I couldn't return it.
He was about to come closer to me to kiss me but I moved away and put
my palm in front of his face. He pushed my hand away and tried
to come closer again. I immediately slapped him.
"Just one."
"Stupid!" I said annoyed and slapped him.
He just kept barking and laughing. "Stop. Don't be naughty, someone
will get angry."
I frowned and stopped. "Who?"
"The reindeer."
When he said that, my eyes naturally dropped. Only then did I
see that he was neatly dressed in just a t-shirt and boxers. He was still wearing the
boxers I gave him at the Christmas party.
Crazy!!
I immediately moved away and turned my back on him. "Don't come closer to me!"
He laughed weakly. It was a good thing he was with me and kept quiet.
A few hours had passed and I still couldn't sleep. I kept trying to force myself but I still couldn't sleep. I could
hear his
deep breathing which woke me up even more. Go to sleep! Something was playing in my mind. Even dirty
things that I had never thought of before. I hadn't been like this in the past few days so I was even more
scared for some unknown reason. "Jay-jay." Keiâ€"kwanan called in a whisper. "What?" I answered weakly.
"Ready." He said with my forehead furrowed. I turned to him and his wide eyes stared at me. " Ready what?"
"The reindeer is ready to pounce." I didn't understand what he meant until a mischievous smile appeared on
his lips. Idiot! I jumped up and threw a few punches at him but all he did was laugh. I also teased him
and....that's it! I stomped on the reindeer.