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Jay-Jay's POV
We were all silent, looking at Drew. Even if they didn't say it, I knew they were waiting for him to take back what he said or to add 'just a joke' to his last words. Tell him you were just a joker please. But he didn't say anything or add anything. We waited for a few minutes until my cousin and the Ulopongs cursed one after another. "You whore, Drew! You're not funny!" Blaster shouted angrily before approaching him and pushing him away. Even the other Ulopongs were about to rush at him, but David intervened and blocked him. "Stop! Let him explain himself!" "Explain? You whore, we've already betrayed you!" Mayo replied. "What other reason could he have? "That's money again !" Eren said angrily while pointing at Drew. "Is that why you keep borrowing my cellphone? Because you're taking pictures rom my phone." " Go ahead, you'll hurt Grace even more." Denzel said calmly but I could still see that he wanted to hurt Drew. I just watched them silently. I couldn't accept that someone had betrayed us. Someone had. Why? I don't understand. I'm so proud to say that with all we've been through, it's unlikely they would have thought of doing that but here he is in front of us. It's hard for me to look at him, not because of what he did but because of how our friends helped him. I have the right to be angry with him because what he did hurt but I feel like our friends are angry enough. He doesn't need to hear from me anymore. "Putangina, the price is just the price of our lives for you!" Calix shouted angrily. "You know Ram, he'll kill just to please him!" "Calm down ï¬rst!" Rory pleaded but he was the one who was being bullied. "Putangina! You're another one! "You know something too!" Felix turned to him. "Listen ï¬rst! This conversation won't end if you put your anger ï¬rst!" Edrix shouted, who also intervened. "You're another one who knows something!" Kit scolded him. "You didn't even think about Jay-Jay!" I felt sorry for them seeing them like this. It was hard to watch them arguing. They were like this when they were ï¬ghting because of Yuri and Keifer's argument, when the truth about their plan came out, and now because of the traitor. It was hard to see them like this. I sighed. In an instant, the earlier scolding and arguing turned into screaming. Kuya Angelo tried to approach Drew and because they already knew what he would do, most of them, even though they were angry with Drew, immediately stopped him. "You son of a btch! You better give me a good reason for risking my cousin's life!" He said angrily. Even Ma'am Cindy and Sir Alvin stopped. With so many of them, Kuya almost carried them away as he walked. "Speak up Drew!" Yuri ordered, clearly feeling sorry for him. Drew still didn't want to speak but when our eyes met, it was as if he wanted to ask for help. He sighed a few times but he still cried when he saw me wiping my eyes. I felt so heavy. I wanted to go back to bed to lie down but maybe I didn't want to get up. "I need money. I don't have anyone to approach you with," he said and he received a bunch of money one after another. "You bastard! If you really need it, we'll probably help you!" Blaster replied. Drew laughed angrily. "I've approached all of you several times. Even Keifer, David, Eman, Rory. I've approached almost all of you ." "I didn't lend you money because you're not telling the truth," Keifer said. "I just want to know where you're taking the money." "Same reason. You're hiding something from us," David said. Eman sighed. "What do I know if you're only taking the money to gamble?" Drew pulled himself together. I could feel him struggling but he still couldn't tell the truth about where his money really goes and why it seems like his debt is increasing. I hope the reason isn't gambling. "I owe another shark loan, I thought we had a good conversation. He pressured me, he even blackmailed my sister. I don't have anything left." He tried to wipe the tears from his face. "He said if I had trouble paying, he'd ï¬nd me a sideline. He brought me to Ram. I really don't want it but he'll deduct a lot from my debt if the job goes well. He said they would waive the interest and extend the deadline." I could see the rustration of our companions. Even Ma'am Cindy was obviously affected by what she heard. Sir had no reaction but my cousin was still very angry. But how did he get another loan? Where did he use the money? I don't know anyone in his family who needs it. "I was scared, I was desperate. That shark loan was involved in sex trafficking. What if they did something to Marianne? What about my sister?" He sat down on the floor. He was scared. That was his clear reason and not just because of the money. I hope he told the truth or came to me. Even if I don't have money, I will ï¬nd a way. So that he doesn't lie to me like this. "But believe me, I don't give all the details he asks for. I just know that he will be satisï¬ed. I thought Ram would have taken a long time to make his plan because he was short of people and he just got out of the hospital." "So you're so comfortable sending the location of my house?" Sir Alvin asked. Drew couldn't answer, he couldn't even look at Ma'am and Sir. I also knew he was embarrassed because we had disturbed the couple . It looked like they were about to be forced to move house. "What assurance do we have that those are the only details you're giving?" Josh asked. I knew he was just making an assurance, but his tone sounded accusing . "We know, I can see what he's sending," Edrix replied. Felix angrily pointed at them. "You two know something, but you didn't even tell us? You didn't even tell Keifer?" I looked at Keifer. He was calm, yes, but I could see from the way he was looking at Drew that he had wanted to hurt earlier. He was probably exercising too much self- control. "Because we still had to make sure of Ram's plan. If we tell Keifer, he'll probably act and Ram will notice what Drew is doing. His plan was really sudden ," Rory explained. My cousin sighed a few times. The people holding him back were no longer holding him but they were still around in case he thought of rushing again. "These kids manage to ï¬nd Ram before we do?" Sir asked Kuya. "I don't know if I should be amazed or disappointed." I remembered that Kuya Angelo and I were also looking for Ram but they couldn't seem to get a good location. He always disappears whenever they have information. You'll be disappointed Sir. You're a poor searcher. "Suddenly or not, you still thought he would rush and rush. Look at what happened today. Jay, had a panic attack and now a high fever, her cousin almost died, and their house was exposed Sir." David said calmly while pointing at us. "Your irresponsible decision all causes us trouble." "Okay, we're there. Drew is desperate and in need but can't he ask for help from the right person, Jay-Jay's older brother, David, or Sir Alvin?" Yuri said, clearly trying to understand his friend's situation. "It's risky! We can't say what could happen. What would Ram do or say to the loan shark if Drew betrayed him?" Rory defended. I couldn't help but think that Rory and Edrix were also wrong. They took the lead in the situation and chose not to tell us what was happening. Calix combed her hair. "But what if Ram did, are you sure what would happen? Well, this is it, they suddenly rushed in without you knowing or guessing." "We were sure at ï¬rst. " That's why we were conï¬dent enough to come up with a plan before telling Keifer," Edrix replied. "So where's your plan? It's gone, isn't it? Just use your brains properly!You guys are so good at being yourself that you think you have the situation under control!" Eren said angrily . They received one after another and cheap reprimands from their fellow Ulopongs. Rory almost got into a ï¬ght. "THAT'S ENOUGH!" Kuya Angelo shouted, echoing throughout the house. The Ulopongs fell silent. Drew was sitting on the floor and bowed. I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to hear his reasons and what he was thinking. What he did hurt me but it hurt me even more when I thought that our friendship was ruined and might not be ï¬xed. I need Bob the builder, maybe it will be ï¬xed. "What are you going to do with these friends of yours?" Kuya asked Keifer. He sighed deeply. He looked at me as if he was wondering if I would be okay with his decision. He was calm but there was a mixture of anger and sadness on his face. I wanted to tell him to talk to Drew ï¬rst and think carefully about his decision. But it seemed like he had already made a decision. "I want him to stay away from Jay-Jay," he said and what he said next surprised us all. "I want him out of Section E." "H-Hold on, Keifer. . ." I called to him but it seemed like he didn't hear me because of the Ulopongs' constant chatter. "Are you sending Drew away?" Edrix asked. "Wait a minute. You're so quick to make decisions," Yuri interrupted him. "Is that all? Isn't his reason valid?" Rory asked. "Don't you think that's too harsh?" David asked, clearly disagreeing with his decision. Our other friends were confused. They were shocked and didn't expect their King's decision. I couldn't see them agreeing but they couldn't refuse either because they knew why the outcome was the way it was. I knew they didn't want it even though they were angry with him. "W-What about the exam? The graduation?" Blaster asked. "He can talk to Sir Alvin and arrange a schedule for the exam and set up for his graduation. I don't want to see him close to Jay- Jay," Keifer replied and walked closer to me. "Wait a minute, think about it," I begged him. We've only just graduated. Why does he need to expel Drew? He can punish him in other ways. He plucked his eyebrows one by one, like that. "My decision is ï¬nal. I want him to leave our section, classroom, and riendship." I couldn't help but cry. I looked at Drew but he was still bowed down and crying while enduring all the hurtful words. I knew he was hurt by Keifer's decision. "Keifer, maybe you could think about it again?" Rory insisted and Hari looked at him angrily. "I'm going to talk to you two. For now, I don't trust the two of you . Your loyalty to me and in this group is in question." Keifer faced me again and supported me. "You need to go back to the room, you're turning pale." I tried to struggle but because of my pain and tenderness I couldn't ï¬ght back. I didn't take my eyes off Drew. Our eyes met for a moment and it was as if he was apologizing. It was only a moment! We were back in the room and he was helping me lie down on the bed. He took the bowl of porridge again. "Eat this so you can take your medicine." I shook my head. "Why did you decide like that?" "Let's not talk about it." Because of the way I got up earlier, my fever seemed to be getting worse. Drew's confession and the decision to send him away were even more heartbreaking. My tears wouldn't stop falling. "Please eat." I shook my head again. "I want to sleep." I couldn't help but sulk at him. It was as if he really didn't think about what he did. It was as if he could feel my resentment. "Come on Jay. Do you think I'll let him get close to you? How can I be sure that he's not talking to anyone else who's our enemy?" I couldn't answer. I was sobbing. I was annoyed because he was right. It was hard to trust Drew but it was still too much to send him away. Keifer lowered his hand and immediately came over to hug me but I turned my back on him. I hugged the blanket I was using up to my chest. "He's our friend." I said crying. "He's our friend." He's still our friend even though he betrayed us. I don't know how long I cried. I didn't even realize I was asleep. I just felt the movement of the people around me that woke me up. When I opened my eyes, the ï¬rst thing I saw was Brother Angelo. He seemed to notice that I was awake but he still didn't tell the person he was talking to. "Are you serious with your decision?" "Of course I am serious. You? What will your decision be about what Drew did?" Keifer's voice answered. "Probably, termination of his existence," my cousin answered and I was alarmed. Wow! What did he think of Drew's life? It's like a termite that needs to be terminated? "Brother!" I called him with a threatening tone but my hoarse voice drowned it out. My cousin immediately laughed and Keifer came over to me. "Hey, do you feel better now?" I nodded and tried to get up. My head hurt immediately but I pushed it aside because I wanted to visit my cousin who pretended to be an angel. Courage. Pretending to be brave. "I'm ï¬ne. What were you two talking about? And what termination?" The events that happened earlier before I ell asleep gradually came back to me . "If you feel better, we can leave. You can go home and rest," my cousin said and turned away from us. I faced the King again. "What are you talking about?" "Random things, and also my decision to kick out Drew." I was depressed again. In the time I slept, he didn't even try to talk to Drew or even think about his decision again. "I want to talk to Drew," I said and was about to stand up but he stopped me. "Drew is gone, he left with Rory and Edrix. David took them earlier while you were sleeping. And the others goes home." I sighed. I was about to argue with him if I hadn't felt the pain in my stomach. I haven't eaten since this morning. I can't think straight like this. I don't have the energy to argue. I need to eat. I held my stomach. "I want to eat." It was as if he had already thought that I would look for food when I woke up. He helped me get ready. He even did the combing of my hair, I was embarrassed that my scalp almost got caught in each comb he combed. Now I regretted not combing it diligently. When he was done, he helped me go downstairs and went straight to the kitchen where Yuri and Sir Alvin were sitting, while Ma'am Cindy was standing. It was as if they were talking about something. Yuri quickly stood up and offered me her seat. "Jay, do you feel better now?" "I'll serve you. You're probably hungry," Ma'am said and immediately moved. Sir Alvin stood up and left us. It was as if he was going to ï¬nd my cousin . My friends sat next to me. I leaned against the table. "My head still hurts," I said but I knew I didn't have a fever. I was still feeling weak but not like before. My bones also hurt. I looked at the wall clock. It was 12:48 AM but I was just about to eat. It was tiring not to eat all day. Good thing I'm still alive. Ma'am put down the food she had served for me. I thanked her. Yuri got me a drink and Hari supported me when I had trouble raising my arm. I suddenly felt annoyed because I was like an invalid and these two were my nurses. "Stop me. I want to eat properly!" I said annoyed. Yuri laughed but Keifer didn't answer. They let me eat, I was about to ï¬nish when I heard Sir Alvin and Kuya Angelo talking. They both entered the kitchen. "Live underground so you won't be found," my cousin said and Sir almost cursed but he stopped himself when he saw us. "I know a safe house, we can go there if you're still having a hard time deciding," Yuri suggested. Wait, are they moving? "It's too far, it'll be hard for us to travel to school," Ma'am replied. "You can all move to my house, I don't mind," Keifer said and I looked at her. "And Keigan? What do you think he will say about us being there?" Yuri asked. "I think he would understand." "I think he would NOT understand. Maybe his symptoms will be triggered because of us." I looked back and forth at their friends. I elt like I was going to stiffen my neck as I looked at the two of them on either side of me. But it's true that they need to move, Ma'am, is it because their house is exposed? Are they afraid that their godchildren will ï¬nd them? "Why are you moving? Did something bad happen?" Yuri asked. He shook his head. "Nothing. It's not safe here for the three of us anymore." "Is it because Ram came?" Yuri looked at Ma'am Cindy so I looked at her too. She just looked away as if she didn't want to conï¬rm that that was the reason. I understand, maybe she just didn't want to blame Drew again. I couldn't help but feel hurt by what he did but I also felt sorry for him because he was in a bind but why did he have another debt. I was just thinking about gambling. "Are you done eating?" Kuya asked me. I nodded cautiously. He looked at the time on the wall clock. "Get your things ready, we're going home." He ordered me. I was about to stand up when Hari stopped me. "I'll go, stay here." He stood up and went straight to the room I was staying in. I didn't have many things with me so it wouldn't be difficult for him to get them ready. Sir and my cousin continued talking. "Tomorrow, I'll help you ï¬nd a house. Even if it's a cave." "Okay, ï¬nd us a house under the sea." Ma'am replied sarcastically. "When I ï¬nd you, don't come out of the sea. After all, you're a shocker," replied Kuya Angelo and Sir laughed softly but quickly became serious when he saw his wife looking at him with a frown . It was understanding. It wasn't long before Keifer returned with my things. He even asked me to double-check if he had left anything behind. I made it clear that he had gotten all my things. Since I had already eaten, I had the strength. They drove us until we got in the car. "Hey, text me when you get home," Keifer said and quickly kissed me on the head. I looked at Yuri who was behind him. He smiled and waved at me. I also waved to all of them and said goodbye. During the trip, Kuya was constantly worried about his wounds. I didn't say anything because I might get angry. He also seemed to be in a bad mood. I thought we were going straight home but he suddenly turned to the nearest hospital we passed. He seemed unable to bear the pain of his wounds. "Both of us need to be checked," he said after parking the car. I just followed him even though I honestly knew he was the only reason we came here. When we arrived at the ER, there were only a few nurses and no patients. Maybe it was because it was a small hospital or because not many people came here. There was a male Doctor available who was the ï¬rst to approach my cousin. They talked for a while and took Kuya to one of the beds, he pulled back the curtain on the side before showing me the other bed. "Stay there please," the Doctor said to me. I sat down and just watched them. My cousin took off his clothes and his wounds with stitches appeared. It was only then that it became clear to me that he had a lot of injuries. The wounds seemed superï¬cial but the stitches did not heal. So why are his stitches like that? The Doctor ï¬rst looked at the stitches on Kuya Angelo's neck. He removed the bandage and took out scissors and another pair of scissors but without a blade at the end, I think they were called forceps. He also removed the stitches from the wound. I could see Doc's surprise and amazement at my cousin's wound. "Who stitched your wound? It's like they were just sewing clothes," he said. A nurse approached them while carrying a tray of new thread and needles. She put it down next to Kuya and I immediately noticed her looking at the other person's body. I don't know if she was looking at his wounds or his muscles. Sister, I'm watching you. "Whoever stabbed you, he looks scared too. The wound isn't deep and it didn't hit the external jugular vein." After stitching my cousin's wound the right way, he lowered his hand. "It's here. Your vein," he said, pointing to the part of Kuya's neck near the wound. "Just a few centimeters away, the slightest movement probably made you feel better." The pretending angel laughed slightly. "I know where it is. That's why it didn't get hit, I manage to move my neck in a second before he could stab my neck." I was embarrassed by my cousin's arrogance. I avoided the stab in his vein but not Keifer's stretch. I even lost consciousness. The Doctor continued talking while changing bandages on other wounds. While they were busy, a female nurse came up to me and spoke to me. "What are you feeling?" she asked. "Oh, I'm notâ€"." "She suffered with a high fever this morning until afternoon. Her temp just went back to normal." Death cut off my answer. She even outdid my personal Doctor in her speech. She only missed telling me my medical history. My cousin must be studying to be a Doctor. Doctor quack-quack. The nurse took out a thermometer and held it to my forehead. I thought he was going to shoot me so I dodged slightly. "I'm okay, right? I was just stressed this morning so I had a fever," I excused myself while looking at the results. But it was true that I was stressed. My body couldn't handle what had happened. He took the BP test next but before he could start I had already gotten out of bed. "Jay . . ." my cousin said to me. "I'm really okay. She's the only one who needs help," I said while pointing at my cousin. I could feel Death's evil gaze on me. "Let her do her job." I ignored him and just thanked the nurse before leaving and exiting the ER. My older brother even called me but my steps were too long. He couldn't leave right away to chase me because Doc wasn't ï¬nished treating her yet. I just wanted to breathe. I was starting to feel uncomfortable with the smell of the hospital. But I really couldn't breathe when what I saw and what happened came back to me